Jo Yapp wants elite Lions squad for New Zealand tour, but not necessarily all England

British and Irish Lions women’s head coach Jo Yapp says she will select the best possible squad for the inaugural tour of New Zealand next summer, even if that means the group is heavily weighted towards world champions England.

Yapp’s approach underlines the scale of the challenge facing the Lions as they prepare for their first women’s tour. With England having established themselves as the dominant force in the women’s game, their players are expected to feature strongly in selection discussions. But Yapp has made clear that the squad will not simply be built around one nation.

Yapp targets the strongest possible Lions squad

The former England coach wants the Lions to be as competitive as possible when they travel to New Zealand, and that means choosing on merit across all four home nations. Her comments suggest that while England’s world champions will provide a major pool of talent, players from Wales, Scotland and Ireland will also be considered if they fit the balance of the squad.

The Lions women’s tour will be a landmark moment for the sport, with the side set to face New Zealand next summer. Yapp’s priority is to ensure the squad reflects the highest standards available, rather than simply mirroring national dominance.

England’s strength could shape selection

England’s status as world champions makes them the obvious benchmark for selection, and Yapp’s stance acknowledges that reality. However, she has been careful not to close the door on players from outside England, stressing that the aim is to pick the elite group for the tour.

That balance will be central to the Lions’ first women’s campaign. The selection process is likely to spark debate, but Yapp’s message is clear: the best players will go, regardless of nationality, as the Lions prepare for a historic trip to New Zealand.

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