Merit alone to dictate Lions selection for first women’s tour in 2027By Duncan Bech, PA England Rugby CorrespondentThe British and Irish Lions insist merit alone will dictate selection for their first women’s tour despite England’s dominance of the sport. The Lions will play three Tests against world champions New Zealand in September 2027 in a historic moment for the women’s game that is the outcome of an extensive feasibility study. Among the challenges facing the tour is England’s clear superiority over their rival home unions, a position enhanced by being the first side to adopt professionalism. You could see France being really interesting for a women’s Lions tour in the future, the same with North America. We will be transparent and have a progressive conversation with them and make those decisions when they time is right.”

Source: Irish Independent January 17, 2024 08:39 UTC