THE POSSIBLITY of a British and Irish Lions women's team could become a reality in the near future according to the managing director of the Lions.
The move will be put forward by a 13-strong feasibility group. The group includes experienced administrators from across professional rugby as well as business executives.
This will be chaired by former Lions star and current Lions board member Ieuan Evans.
Ireland international Niamh Briggs will also be part of the 13. Sky’s corporate affairs director Joanna Manning-Cooper, the Rugby Football Union’s chief operating and financial officer Sue Day, Scottish Rugby’s head of girls and women’s strategy Gemma Fay, and World Rugby women’s high performance manager Nicky Ponsford will also make up a number of the roles
The steering team will initiate a feasibility study to be overseen by a specialist consulting group.
Dublin , Ireland - 11 March 2018; Niamh Briggs of Ireland is tackled by Siobhan McMillan (Photo By David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile via Getty Images)Ben Calveley the Lions managing director and steering group member said:
“We are excited to have put together such a stellar list of individuals who I know will add value to this project.
“I believe a women’s Lions team is a huge opportunity, but there are a number of challenges to consider when looking to create a successful women’s set-up.
“Financial viability, suitable opposition and appropriate scheduling in the women’s rugby calendar will all need rigorous analysis, research and careful consideration.”
And Evans added: “Women’s rugby is experiencing unprecedented growth around the world, with participation levels continuing to increase every year.
“A women’s Lions team is a big opportunity for the women’s game, and I am looking forward to working with the steering group to assess its viability.”
The study will be supported by Royal London, whose group chief marketing officer Susie Logan said:
“We are committed to levelling the playing field in sport.
“And we are delighted to be supporting this important study to understand if the creation of a British and Irish Lions team for women will be possible.
“We want to support a society that is inclusive and benefits everyone, and this partnership with the Lions is a great opportunity to grow women’s rugby.”
The British and Irish Lions have launched a group that is tasked with looking into the feasibility of establishing a Women’s Lions team.
Niamh Briggs is part of the group: pic.twitter.com/Mb8N25l4ZQ— Murray Kinsella (@Murray_Kinsella) October 12, 2021
