Brown backs Yapp as ideal Lions Women's head coach ahead of 2027 New Zealand tour

Jo Yapp was appointed head coach of the inaugural British & Irish Lions Women’s Team last week, and former England international Shaunagh Brown says the 46-year-old is simply “the best person” to prepare the side for their maiden tour against New Zealand’s Black Ferns in 2027.

Yapp, currently Head of Women’s Pathways with England Rugby, will join the Lions on a part-time basis from July before moving to a full-time role in January 2027 as preparations for the Howden British & Irish Lions Women’s Series intensify.

Brown, who has been involved in the Lions Women’s process since Royal London launched a feasibility study in 2021, told RugbyPass that Yapp’s varied career sets her apart from other candidates. “She’s always been such a force within the rugby scene across the game,” Brown said. “I describe her as a servant of her game.”

Brown highlighted two qualities in particular. The first is Yapp’s breadth of perspective, having served as head coach of a club, a national team, an invitational side in the Barbarians, and in a pathway development role. “She has so many different perspectives on the game. Where some coaches don’t,” Brown said.

The second is Yapp’s capacity to build culture. Bringing together the best players from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales for a single touring squad is a challenge that goes well beyond selecting talent. “It’s all well and good putting 15 good rugby players on the pitch and hoping for the best, but this is going to be a lot more than that,” Brown said. “This is going to be about bringing them together for the greater good.”

Evidence of that quality was visible during Yapp’s tenure as Wallaroos head coach. At the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 quarter-final press conference, Australia captain Siokapesi Palu was visibly emotional when asked about Yapp’s influence on the squad — a moment that underlined the depth of connection the coach had built during her two years in charge.

Players Yapp has worked with across England Under-20, the University of Exeter, the Barbarians and Worcester Warriors have consistently spoken warmly of her impact, and it is that reputation for loyalty and collective purpose that Brown believes will prove decisive when the Lions Women’s squad assembles for the first time.

With the 2025/26 Premiership Women’s Rugby season approaching its final stages, the historic 2027 tour is drawing closer at pace.