Sky Nears Rights for First Women’s British & Irish Lions Tour

The British & Irish Lions will stage their inaugural women’s tour of New Zealand in 2027, playing five fixtures that include three Tests against the Black Ferns and two tour matches. Sky Sports is set to broadcast all five games live, marking a significant expansion of the broadcaster’s rugby portfolio and a boost for the women’s game.

Sky has held live rights to the men’s Lions since the 1997 South Africa tour, and the network is reportedly in advanced talks to add the women’s series to its coverage lineup. The decision follows a growing push for greater visibility of women’s rugby, with the 2027 tour expected to attract a substantial audience and provide a platform for the sport’s top female talent.

If the agreements go through, viewers in the UK and Ireland will be able to follow the Lions’ campaign from the first Test to the final tour match, underscoring Sky’s long-standing role in bringing Lions rugby to fans and signalling a broader commitment to supporting women’s international rugby.