Yapp makes history as first Lions Women coach
Summary
Jo Yapp has been named the first ever head coach of the British and Irish Lions Women’s rugby team. She will lead the team on their first tour in New Zealand in 2027 and plans to bring together top players from England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.Key Facts
- Jo Yapp played for England as a scrum-half and appeared in three World Cups.
- She has coaching experience with England Women Under-20s, Worcester Warriors Women, Barbarians Women, and Australia Women’s team.
- The Lions Women’s first match will be on September 4, 2027, against a Black Ferns XV team.
- The tour will include three test matches in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch.
- Yapp will start working part-time for the Lions in July and full-time from January 2027.
- The Lions team includes players from the four British and Irish unions: England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.
- The coaching staff may include experienced figures from all four nations, not just England.
- British and Irish Lions chief executive Ben Calverley praised Yapp’s coaching experience and vision.
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