Women’s Lions feasibility study group announced

• Ieuan Evans MBE (Chair) - British & Irish Lion and The British & Irish Lions Board Member

• Ben Calveley - Managing Director, The British & Irish Lions

• Susie Logan - Group Chief Marketing Officer, Royal London

• Joanna Manning-Cooper - Group Director of Corporate Affairs, Sky

• Max Taylor - Consumer Director, Vodafone

• Simon Rowe - Head of Global Sports Marketing, Canterbury

• Sue Day MBE - Chief Operating & Financial Officer, RFU and RFU Board, Rugby Football Union 

• Anthony Eddy - Director of Sevens and Women's Rugby, Irish Rugby Football Union

• Gemma Fay - Head of Girls & Women’s Strategy, Scottish Rugby

• Hannah John - Women's High-Performance Lead (Acting), Welsh Rugby Union

• Nicky Ponsford - Women's High-Performance Manager, World Rugby

• Shaunagh Brown - Senior Player, Harlequins Women and England

• Niamh Briggs - Senior Player, Munster and Ireland, Club Coach and Garda Síochána (Police) Officer

The primary responsibility of the newly formed group will be to initiate, oversee and contribute towards a feasibility study which will seek to ascertain whether a Women’s Lions team could be formed. The study is being funded by Lions Global Partner, Royal London, who are also the inaugural ‘Principal Partner’ of the Women’s Lions programme.

As a champion of women’s sport, Royal London, the UK’s largest insurance mutual, will provide guidance and expertise to the working group.

The study will be undertaken by a specialist consulting firm which will be appointed by the Steering Group.

“We are excited to have put together such a stellar list of individuals who I know will add value to this project,” said Ben Calveley, The British & Irish Lions Managing Director. 

“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.

“We are very grateful to be working with a purpose-driven organisation like Royal London on this initiative. Our broader commercial family – including Sky, Vodafone and Canterbury – have also committed to provide their expertise and play an active role in the feasibility analysis.”   

Ieuan 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.” 

Commenting on the announcement, Susie Logan, Group Chief Marketing Officer at Royal London, said:

“We are committed to levelling the playing field in sport and we’re delighted to be supporting this important study to understand if the creation of a British & 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.”