"Never in our wildest dreams did we think this was a reality"

The former Ireland captain heralds the launch of the Lions women's team

- NIAMH BRIGGS

I GREW UP idolising Lions chairman Ieuan Evans and he was chatting to me like I was his friend on the steering group. I thought it was a bit bizarre! It was a hugely rewarding 18-24 months and experience that helped me learn a huge amount about what it takes behind the scenes to put something like a new women’s British & Irish Lions tour together.

We looked at lots of different options and discussed what was right and I think an inaugural tour to New Zealand was the best possible answer. It’s hugely exciting for any player or person involved in that.

We did our due diligence in relation to the competition structure (a three-Test series) and where it sits in the calendar (September 2027) and the opposition.

I do think we won’t just follow what the men’s tour does. I don’t think that can happen because of different nations being stronger in the women’s game, such as France and Canada and the investment in America with their two Rugby World Cups coming up. For now, to say the inaugural Test tour will be to New Zealand is pretty special.