Venues announced for historic women’s Lions tour of NZ

On their landmark first women’s tour of New Zealand, the British and Irish Lions will play three Test matches in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch.

On September 4, 2027, the Lions will play a warm-up match at the Semenoff Stadium in Whangarei against a Black Ferns XV.

The city’s iconic Eden Park venue, which is located in Auckland’s Go Media Stadium, will not be there as expected until September 11th, when the city’s first Test will take place.

The largest stadium in New Zealand is Eden Park, which is also known as the country’s spiritual home.

Before the second Test arrives at Wellington’s Sky Stadium four days later, the Lions will play an Invitational XV in a midweek contest at Hamilton’s FMG Stadium Waikato.

The final Test will take place on September 25 at Christchurch’s One NZ Stadium.

The tour, according to British and Irish Lions CEO Ben Calveley, will mark a “hugely significant milestone” that will “create something truly special for the women’s game.”

Traveling fans have traditionally followed the Lions to the southern hemisphere, but it’s unknown how many will travel to the women’s team.

Potentially problematic is the series’ competitive balance.

After defeating Canada in the semi-finals of the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup, New Zealand lost to Canada in the final six of its six matches.

England, the reigning world champions, have defeated New Zealand in their past three meetings, including a 33-12 victory at Go Media Stadium two years ago, who are currently top of the standings. They have won the previous seven Six Nations titles.

Steve Lancaster, the Lions’ acting head of rugby in New Zealand, described the visit as “truly special.”

According to him, “starting in the north and finishing in the south was a conscious choice to ensure that as many parts of the nation as possible can participate in this incredible event.”

September

Whangrei 4 Black Ferns XV, Semenoff Stadium

11 First Test, Auckland’s Go Media Stadium

14 Invitational XV, Hamilton, FMG Stadium Waikato

18 Second Test, Wellington’s Sky Stadium

One NZ Stadium, Christchurch, on September 25, 2003.

The scale of stadia, tickets, and fixtures are all representative of the emerging women’s sport market, so this tour doesn’t try to pretend to be a carbon copy of the men’s Lions.

Without Eden Park, this is most clearly visible. A 50, 000 capacity stadium would not be possible given that the venue was sold out for the women’s rugby world cup final in 2022 despite the fact that the legacy boost for the women’s game in New Zealand has not yet been fully realized.

The Invitational XV game in Hamilton has a lot of intrigue. One of the Super Rugby Aupiki sides might have a chance to face the Lions in 2027, or it could lead to a selection of XVs in the style of the Barbarians.

The first Women’s Lions head coach should also gain more interest.

However, the bigger issue is with the tour dates. The men’s World Cup in Australia will officially begin on October 1 with a schedule that coincides with that date.

That means that most games will take place on the same day as men’s international warm-up matches.

Rugby media and broadcasters will likely concentrate elsewhere.