FORMER IRELAND AND ULSTER PLAYER TOMMY BOWE has said that the proposed Women's British and Irish Lions tour could be really 'exciting' for the women's rugby
The men's version of the tour has existed since 1888, but there has never been a women's version of the popular rugby competition, which is played every 4 years.
The Lions men's team is a Test side made up of players from England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland which tours every four years, rotating between South Africa, New Zealand, and Australia.
The men's last tour was in South Africa in 2021, where they lost the series 2-1.
They will next tour Australia in 2025.
A women's tour has been mooted for a while and after a feasibility study, which looked at a range of aspects, including rugby, brand, commercial, financial, spectator, logistical and scheduling consideration the women's tour has become a more realistic prospect.
Lions' chief executive Ben Calveley spoke on Tuesday and said, “It is extremely positive that a British and Irish Lions women's tour is possible in the future.
"While there is much to be considered, we are committed to taking the findings of this feasibility study and working closely with our unions, as well as other stakeholders in the coming months.
"I would like to thank World Rugby and our four unions from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales for their ongoing support.
The British and Irish Lions say a feasibility study into an inaugural women's tour has been positive.
Read more 👇#BBCRugby— BBC Sport Wales (@BBCSportWales) February 28, 2023
"There has been a strong level of collaboration since the beginning of this process, and we are all united behind exploring this project fully."
Bowe, who played on two tours in 2009 and 2013 believes that a women's tour can only help the women’s game going forward.
"I think it is really exciting for the women's game going forward. We are seeing the push, the growth, and the excitement around the women's game, so for them to think that they could go on a tour of the likes of New Zealand would be great," the former Ireland winger said.
"Touring is so special. The Lions is the last real professional tour available and just the experience on and off the pitch is something that will last with me a lifetime.
"The fact that this feasibility study has come out and has been pretty positive, hopefully they can make it happen."
However, the Bowe believes that there must be investment in the women's game if they are to make a new project a success
"I think if we are going to be serious about the women's game, you've got to start financially investing. The Barbarians have a women's team, the Lions need to have one," added Bowe
"That is what you have to do if you're going to be serious, or else don't be serious and stop kidding everyone."
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