Jo Yapp: British & Irish Lions first-ever women's team appoint former England international as head coach

Jo Yapp has been appointed head coach of the first-ever British & Irish Lions women's team.

The landmark Howden British & Irish Lions women's series will take place in New Zealand in 2027, with the Lions facing the Black Ferns in a three-Test series alongside a programme of pre-Test fixtures including a pre-tour fixture that will be confirmed later this year.

The tour marks a historic milestone for both the Lions and the continued growth of the women's game across the four home unions.

Yapp will take a sabbatical from her current role as the head of women's pathway at England Rugby to lead the tour and will work part time for the Lions from July before taking on the role in a full-time capacity from January.

A 70‑cap England international, she represented the Red Roses at three Women's Rugby World Cups during a distinguished playing career before transitioning into coaching.

Her coaching CV spans both the club and international game. She has previously served as head coach of England U20s Women, Worcester Warriors Women and the Barbarians, and most recently led the Australian national women's team at the 2025 Rugby World Cup.

Yapp will be formally presented as Lions women's head coach at an official media conference on Tuesday, June 9.

Speaking after her appointment, Yapp said: "To lead the first-ever British & Irish Lions women's team is an incredible honour and something I'm immensely proud of.

"The Lions represents the very best of our sport, and this tour to New Zealand is an opportunity to create something truly special and help shape the future of women's rugby for years to come.

"I know from experience how challenging it is to face the Black Ferns on home soil, but that challenge is exactly what makes this tour so exciting. There is an enormous amount of talent across the four unions and I'm looking forward to bringing together the very best players to represent the Lions in 2027."