Whangārei to kick-off 1st Howden British & Irish Lions Women’s Series
Published on 28 January 2026
The first-ever Howden British & Irish Lions Women’s Series will be held in New Zealand and begin in Whangārei, with fixture dates, oppositions, cities and host venues revealed last week.
Fans from New Zealand, the UK and across the world will have the chance to experience dynamic rugby and everything Aotearoa has to offer with the 2027 tour starting in Whangārei on Saturday 4 September 2027 and ending with a final test against the Black Ferns in the new One New Zealand Stadium in Christchurch on Saturday 25 September 2027.
Councillor Deb Harding said that hosting the opening match of the first-ever Women’s Lions Series is a huge moment for Whangārei and for women’s sport in Aotearoa.
“We are no strangers to hosting women’s rugby, and we’re really excited to have another opportunity to showcase our community, our people, and the passion Northlanders have for rugby. Events like this inspire our rangatahi, support local businesses, and put Whangārei firmly on the international stage.”
Five cities have been chosen to showcase this historic rugby event, with games being played at Semenoff Stadium in Whangārei, Go Media Stadium in Auckland, FMG Stadium Waikato in Hamilton, Sky Stadium in Wellington and One NZ Stadium in Christchurch.
Acting CEO of New Zealand Rugby Steve Lancaster says, "Starting in the north and finishing in the south was a deliberate decision to make sure as many parts of the country can get involved in this incredible event as possible, while also making sure visiting fans have the chance to see many of the places that make New Zealand unique.”
Opposition for the non-test matches throughout the month will start with the Black Ferns XV, before an Invitational XV team will face the Lions in Hamilton. Kick-off times for all matches will be announced later this year.
Women’s British & Irish Lions matches in 2027:
- Saturday 4 September 2027 – v Black Ferns XV – Semenoff Stadium, Whangārei
- Saturday 11 September 2027 – v Black Ferns – Go Media Stadium, Auckland
- Tuesday 14 September 2027 – v Invitational XV – FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton
- Saturday 18 September 2027 – v Black Ferns – SKY Stadium, Wellington
- Saturday 25 September 2027 – v Black Ferns – One NZ Stadium, Christchurch.
The British & Irish Lions Women’s Tour to New Zealand is being supported by a $3.9 million Government investment.
Fans can register their interest in tickets, travel packages and other tour updates on the British & Irish Lions website:
Register your interest (lionsrugby.com)
Travel packages go on sale in May 2026 to Priority Access Pass holders and in June 2026 to the general public, followed by general admission tickets on sale in late 2026.