Jo Yapp named head coach for historic first women’s British & Irish Lions tour

Jo Yapp, 46, has been appointed head coach of the first-ever women's British & Irish Lions tour, set to take place in New Zealand in September 2027. The former England captain and current RFU women's pathway head was chosen over England head coach John Mitchell for the role, and will lead the Lions in three Tests against the Black Ferns. Yapp will begin working part-time for the Lions from July before taking a sabbatical from the RFU to go full-time ahead of the tour.