Jo Yapp, former England captain, appointed as the first British and Irish Lions Women coach for the inaugural 2027 tour in New Zealand, aiming to 'create something truly special' with a team drawn from England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.
Jo Yapp, former England captain and current RFU women’s pathway head, appointed as the first head coach for the British & Irish Lions women’s tour to New Zealand in 2027, aiming to lead a combined team from England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales against the Black Ferns in three Tests.
Premiership Women's Rugby will introduce a 10-point plan next season to increase female coaches at international level, addressing a situation where only one top-10 nation (New Zealand) is currently led by a woman. The scheme includes financial investment, training programmes, and potential minimum standards for female coaches at clubs. Research with the RFU produced a 100-page report on diversifying coaching in the women's game.
