A feasibility study has delivered positive initial findings on the possibility of a women’s British and Irish Lions tour.
The study investigated key aspects of creating a women’s Lions tour, exploring rugby, brand, commercial, financial, spectator, logistical and scheduling considerations.
A British and Irish Lions women’s tour is possible
The Lions released a statement confirming the outcome of the study. It added that work would continue on areas such as the potential structure and timing of a tour before a final decision is made.
“Based on the outcome of these discussions and critical considerations being successfully addressed, a final decision can be made on whether the proposed tour can proceed,” the statement read.
“It is extremely positive that a British and Irish Lions women’s tour is possible in the future,” Lions chief executive Ben Calveley added.
A massive green light
Former England international Shaunagh Brown, who is part of the steering committee, says the findings of a Lions feasibility study is “a massive green light” for women’s rugby to keep growing on the world stage.
“Why wouldn’t we want a Lions tour for women?” Brown told the PA news agency. “In the men’s game, it is the ultimate honour.
“For me, as an elite athlete, you always want more. We have been given this massive green light, and there is something to aim for.
“All of the home unions have professional playing contracts, to an extent. What they look like is a different question, but it is the start.
“Every project has to start somewhere. If and when a Lions women’s tour happens, all players have strong potential of being professional. We will be a force to be reckoned with.”
Stand-alone tour
Brown adds that she believes that the potential women’s Lions tour should be a stand-alone event and not run in tandem with the men’s tour.
“The way the Six Nations used to be run, everything was on the back of and around the men’s tournament,” she added.
“Then Covid happened, and it was almost by accident that we now have our own separate Six Nations window in April, and it works so well.
“For me, a separate women’s tour would be the way forward, as opposed to going off the back of the men. We have our own calendar, and I think it is about what works for us.
“I feel like it (Lions tour) is going to happen. It’s exciting for the whole sport, whether it happens tomorrow or in 10 years’ time.”
The 13-strong steering group, chaired by former Lions and Wales wing Ieuan Evans, included the likes of Brown, Rugby Football Union chief operating and financial officer Sue Day, Irish Rugby Union performance director David Nucifora, plus World Rugby’s high-performance manager Nicky Ponsford.
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