British & Irish Lions 2027 Fixtures & Dream Team

It’s finally official. The 2027 British & Irish Lions Women’s tour to New Zealand has its roadmap, and here at Rugbystuff.com, we’ve been poring over the details. This isn't just another tour; it’s a shift for the women’s game, marking the first time the famous red jersey will be donned for a series in the Land of the Long White Cloud.

While the "sea of red" might look a little different this time around, the significance of this five-match schedule cannot be overstated. Here is our expert breakdown of the inaugural tour and the British & Irish Lions 2027 fixtures.

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The Schedule: A North-to-South Charge

The tour kicks off on September 4 in Whangārei before winding its way down the country. It’s a smart move from New Zealand Rugby to spread the matches across both islands, ensuring the whole nation gets another taste of Lions fever.

• Sept 4: vs. Black Ferns XV – Semenoff Stadium, Whangārei

• Sept 11: First Test – Go Media Stadium, Auckland

• Sept 14: vs. Invitational XV – FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton

• Sept 18: Second Test – Sky Stadium, Wellington

• Sept 25: Third Test – One NZ Stadium, Christchurch

The Venue Call: Atmosphere over Ego

The most talked-about omission is undoubtedly Eden Park. While the "spiritual home" of New Zealand rugby hosted a sell-out for the 2022 World Cup final, the organisers have opted for the 25,000-capacity Go Media Stadium (Mt Smart) for the opening Test.

From a fan experience perspective, we think this is the right call. A packed Go Media Stadium will create a cauldron-like atmosphere that a potentially half-empty Eden Park simply couldn’t replicate. It’s about building a sustainable legacy, and seeing the Lions play in the intimate, loud environments of Wellington and the new One NZ Stadium in Christchurch will be a treat for the travelling faithful - however many make the long haul.

The Competitive Gap: Red Roses vs. Black Ferns

There’s a massive elephant in the room: the current world rankings. The Lions squad will be heavily bolstered by an England side that has dominated the Six Nations and recently dispatched the Black Ferns 33-12 on their own turf.

New Zealand is in a rebuilding phase after their surprise semi-final exit in the 2025 Rugby World Cup. For this series to truly capture the public’s imagination, the Black Ferns need to find their clinical edge. A one-sided series helps no one, but if the Kiwis can tap into that "home soil" magic, we could be looking at an all-time classic.

The Scheduling Headache

Our biggest concern at Rugbystuff.com? The timing. The Third Test in Christchurch wraps up on September 25, just six days before the Men’s Rugby World Cup kicks off in Australia.

This puts the Lions in direct competition with the final warm-up matches for the men’s tournament. We really hope the rugby media and broadcast giants give this tour the oxygen it deserves. It’s a "live case study" for the future, and it deserves to stand on its own two feet without being overshadowed by the hype across the ditch.

The Squad Selection

Selection for the first-ever British & Irish Lions Women’s squad is going to be the most debated topic in rugby clubs around the 4 nations for the next eighteen months. Following the Red Roses clinical 33-13 victory over Canada in the 2025 World Cup final, the "Power of Four" is currently looking very "Red," but there is world-class talent emerging across the home nations that will be essential for a successful Test series in New Zealand.

Here is the Rugbystuff.com "Dream Team" 23-woman squad for the 2027 tour, based on current 2026 form and that historic World Cup run.

The Starting XV: A Wall of World Champions

The Finishers: The "Impact" Squad

16. Lark Atkin-Davies (ENG): The best "finishing" hooker in the business.

17. Gwenllian Pyrs (WAL): A Welsh warrior to provide late-game scrum stability.

18. Sarah Bern (ENG): Bringing explosive power off the bench to tire the Black Ferns.

19. Abbie Ward (ENG): The tactical brain to close out a tight Test match.

20. Alex Callender (WAL): A turnover specialist who can change the momentum of a breakdown.

21. Caity Mattinson (SCO): Providing a crisp, tactical alternative at 9.

22. Dannah O'Brien (IRE): The future of Irish rugby; a nerveless kicker for the closing minutes.

23. Jess Breach (ENG): A pure finisher to exploit tired legs in the final twenty.

This 23 combines the "power game" of the English World Champions with the individual brilliance and breakdown tenacity of the Celtic nations. While some might call for more Welsh or Scottish representation, the reality is that the 2025 World Cup cycle cemented this core as the gold standard.

New Zealand will be a different beast on home soil, but with this squad, the Lions have the tools to win their first-ever Women's Test series.

The Verdict

The Invitational XV match in Hamilton is a brilliant inclusion - whether we see a Barbarians-style mix or a top-tier Super Rugby Aupiki side, it adds a layer of "old-school" tour mystery.

This tour is about carving out a new identity. It’s not trying to be the men's tour; it’s something entirely its own. We’ll be watching the coaching announcements closely - the right leader could make this a truly legendary chapter in Lions history.

Adam Clark

Bio As the driving force behind Rugbystuff Clubhouse, I bring a wealth of experience as a prop and a deep-rooted passion for the game. With my extensive rugby knowledge, I’ve developed a profound understanding of the sport. As the founder, I’m dedicated to sharing my knowledge and enthusiasm with fellow rugby fans. My insights, combined with my industry expertise, make Rugbystuff Clubhouse a go-to resource for players, supporters, and enthusiasts alike.