Jo Yapp has been appointed as the head coach for the inaugural women’s British & Irish Lions tour to New Zealand in 2027. The former England captain, aged 46, currently heads the women’s pathway at the Rugby Football Union.
Yapp’s appointment sees her preferred to John Mitchell, the current England head coach. Mitchell, a New Zealander, led England to World Cup glory in 2025 and had publicly expressed his interest in the Lions job.
Yapp’s Reaction and Role
Yapp expressed her pride at the appointment. “To lead the first-ever British & Irish Lions women’s team is an incredible honour and something I’m immensely proud of,” she said. “The Lions represents the very best of our sport and this tour to New Zealand is an opportunity to create something truly special and help shape the future of women’s rugby for years to come.”
Yapp will initially work part-time for the Lions from July. She will then take a sabbatical from her RFU role next year to commit to the Lions full-time. The remaining coaching staff, drawn from the four home nations, are yet to be announced.
Tour Details and Opponents
The Lions tour is scheduled for September next year. The schedule includes three Test matches against the Black Ferns.
New Zealand will be led by Whitney Hansen, who took over in December 2025.
Yapp’s Coaching Background
After retiring in 2009, Yapp’s coaching career includes a stint with England Under-20s. She also served as a skills coach and later head coach at Worcester until the club folded in 2023.
Yapp then became head coach of Australia, the first woman to lead the Wallaroos. She led them to the WXV2 trophy in 2024, securing their place at the 2025 World Cup, where she was one of only three female head coaches.
The Wallaroos reached the quarter-finals of the tournament but were defeated by Canada. Yapp has also twice coached the Barbarians.
Playing Career and Familiar Foes
As a player, Yapp earned 70 caps for the Red Roses and participated in three World Cups. In 2002 and 2006, England were defeated by New Zealand in the final.
“I know from experience how challenging it is to face the Black Ferns on home soil,” Yapp stated. “But that challenge is exactly what makes this tour so exciting. There is an enormous amount of talent across the four unions and I’m looking forward to bringing together the very best players to represent the Lions in 2027.”
Ben Calveley, the Lions chief executive, highlighted Yapp’s experience across the UK club game and the international women’s game.