The British & Irish Lions and New Zealand Rugby have officially confirmed the dates, cities, and iconic venues for the inaugural Howden British & Irish Lions Women’s Series in 2027. This landmark tour represents a pivotal moment for global rugby, as the Lions women’s team prepares for their first-ever five-match series in the home of the world-champion Black Ferns.
Starting in September 2027, the tour features a unique schedule: a warm-up against a developmental side, followed immediately by the opening Test match. A midweek invitational clash then sits between the first and second Tests, before the series culminates in the South Island.
🗓️ The 2027 Official Tour Schedule
The Lions will open the tour in Whangārei before heading straight into the first Test of the series.
| Date | Fixture | Venue | City |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sat 4 Sept | Black Ferns XV v Lions | Semenoff Stadium | Whangārei |
| Sat 11 Sept | 1st Test: Black Ferns v Lions | Go Media Stadium | Auckland |
| Tue 14 Sept | Invitational XV v Lions | FMG Stadium Waikato | Hamilton |
| Sat 18 Sept | 2nd Test: Black Ferns v Lions | Sky Stadium | Wellington |
| Sat 25 Sept | 3rd Test: Black Ferns v Lions | One NZ Stadium | Christchurch |
🏟️ The Venues: From North to South
This tour is a true geographical showcase, taking the “Sea of Red” from the sub-tropical North to the heart of the South Island.
1. Semenoff Stadium (Whangārei)
The tour kicks off in Northland. Known for its passionate rugby community, Whangārei will host the opening clash against the Black Ferns XV. This serves as the critical and only warm-up before the Test series begins.
2. Go Media Stadium (Auckland)
The series intensity spikes early as the first Test lands at Go Media Stadium (Mt Smart). This stadium offers a fantastic, close-to-the-action atmosphere where the Lions will look to secure an early lead in the historic three-match series.
3. FMG Stadium Waikato (Hamilton)
In a departure from traditional scheduling, this midweek clash against a local Invitational XV follows the first Test. It will be a vital opportunity for the Lions to manage their squad depth and keep momentum high during the intense Test window.
4. Sky Stadium (Wellington)
The “Cake Tin” in the capital hosts the second Test. Depending on the result in Auckland, this match could either see the Lions fighting for survival or aiming to clinch the series in the heart of the city.
5. One NZ Stadium (Christchurch)
The tour reaches its grand finale in the South Island. Christchurch has a legendary rugby heritage, and hosting the third and final Test at One NZ Stadium ensures the series will conclude in a city that lives and breathes the sport.
🏉 The Match-Up: Lions vs. Black Ferns
The Black Ferns are the standard-bearers of women’s rugby, known for their “Bouncing” style of play and deep cultural connection to the jersey. For the Lions—drawing from England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales—this tour is the ultimate test of unity and grit.
✈️ Travel Tips for the 2027 Tour
- The Route: The schedule moves logically from the North (Whangārei/Auckland) down through the central North Island (Hamilton/Wellington) and finishes in the South (Christchurch).
- Spring in NZ: September marks the start of Spring. Be prepared for crisp evenings, especially for the final Test in Christchurch.
- Early Intensity: Because the first Test happens just one week after the tour opener, fans should be ready for the series to be “at full speed” almost immediately upon arrival.
🎟️ How to Get Tickets
Official travel packages and ticket-only information will be released in phases. Given the historic nature of this series, demand is expected to be high.
Stay tuned for more updates as we bring you the latest on accommodation, travel routes, and match-day guides!
Last Updated on January 21, 2026 by Sports Tourist
