The British & Irish Lions have taken a first step towards setting up a women’s team after it was announced a feasibility study will be conducted to determine whether it is viable.
The Lions have given backing to a women’s tour in principle in recent years, with the managing director, Ben Calveley, having previously described the prospect as a matter of “when not if”. The England head coach, Simon Middleton, and his captain, Sarah Hunter, have also previously spoken out in support of a potential women’s Lions team.
The study – funded by Royal London, announced as a principal partner of the Lions women’s programme on Monday – will explore potential opponents and dates and is expected to present a “strong positive case”. Obstacles still remain, however, including proving that a women’s tour is financially and commercially viable given the Women’s Six Nations does not have a title sponsor.
In addition, England are the only professional team of the Lions’ four constituent nations and, on merit, would make up the vast majority of a touring squad.
England’s victory over New Zealand in 2017 in Rotorua was a curtain-raiser to the Lions’ match against the Maori All Blacks but it is unlikely a women’s tour would take place in the same year as the men’s, given that is due to be Women’s World Cup year. With significant crossover with sevens programmes, there is no obvious place in the schedule but there is a growing appetite to overhaul the women’s calendar in an effort to increase exposure.
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Of the three southern-hemisphere sides the Lions traditionally face, New Zealand and Australia would be possible destinations but tours of France or North America – the USA and Canada finished fourth and fifth, respectively, at the last World Cup – could prove more commercially appealing. There is also some precedent following the creation of a women’s Barbarians team four years ago.
“The feasibility study is an important first step in determining whether a women’s Lions team could be established, and we are very grateful to have Royal London’s support and investment,” said Calveley. Royal London has also been unveiled as a sponsor of the men’s series against South Africa this summer.