The Albany Gazette - British and Irish Lions to play first women's match against France

The combined side will face the French at the Principality Stadium on August 27.

France, ranked fourth in the world, have long been the closest challengers in European women's rugby union to world champions England, who are on a 41-game unbeaten streak.

They should provide a stern test for a Lions side coached by former Australia women's boss Jo Yapp, herself a former England captain.

The Lions face a Black Ferns XV the following weekend in Whangarei before the first of three Tests with New Zealand on September 11.

"There are moments in sport that only come around once -- and this is one of them," said Yapp as the France fixture was announced.

"For our British and Irish Lions Women's team to step on to the field for the first time, on home soil and in front of our fans, is going to be incredibly special."

France beat World Cup runners-up Canada in the WXV Global Series in September.

France were also semi-finalists at the 2025 World Cup and have finished runners-up to England in the last seven Six Nations championships.

Men's Lions tours, featuring players from England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, have taken place since 1888.

But Yapp's squad, if picked purely on merit, is set to be dominated by England internationals such is the gap in standard between the Red Roses and their Celtic counterparts.

(F.Jackson--TAG)