Sky Sports Near Deal for Inaugural Women's Lions Tour

Sky Sports is reportedly nearing a broadcast rights agreement for the inaugural women’s British & Irish Lions tour to New Zealand in September 2027, a move poised to significantly elevate the profile of women’s rugby.

This potential deal would see Sky Sports, a long-time broadcaster of men’s Lions tours, add all five fixtures of the women’s series to its portfolio, signaling a substantial investment in the burgeoning women’s game.

Tour Details and Broadcast Scope

The 2027 tour will feature three Test matches against the formidable Black Ferns, alongside two additional tour matches. The Guardian Rugby Union reported on the pending broadcast agreement, indicating that Sky is expected to carry live coverage of all five games. This commitment comes as a timely endorsement for women's rugby, particularly following recent discussions regarding the BBC's limited coverage of England's Red Roses home Tests, which were relegated to red button and online platforms despite the Red Roses being world champions.

Sky Sports’ historical association with the Lions dates back to the 1997 men’s tour to South Africa. While their broader rugby union investment has decreased in recent years, with fewer regular international and club matches broadcast, their dedication to the Lions brand remains strong. Discussions are also underway to extend their contract for the men’s Lions, covering the 2029 series, which will also be held in New Zealand. Such sustained commitment from a major broadcaster offers crucial visibility for both the men's and women's rugby coverage.

Strategic Vision for the Women's Lions

The women’s Irish Lions initiative, officially launched in 2024, followed an intensive three-year feasibility study. Although France was initially considered as a potential destination, New Zealand was ultimately confirmed as the host nation for this historic first tour. This decision underscores the ambition to challenge the team against one of the sport's global powerhouses. The announcement that the Springbok Women host Black Ferns for first time in South Africa illustrates the wider growth of international women's rugby.

A notable development this year was the appointment of former England captain Jo Yapp as the first head coach for the women’s Lions. Her selection was seen as a surprise, given that Red Roses coach John Mitchell was also a prominent candidate. Yapp has commenced her role on a part-time basis, balancing it with her current position as head of the Rugby Football Union’s women’s pathway. She is slated to transition to a full-time capacity for the touring squad at the beginning of next year, focusing entirely on preparing the team for the challenges of the New Zealand tour. Her leadership will be critical in shaping the identity and performance of this pioneering squad.