Jo Yapp makes history as first Women's Lions coach ahead of 2027 New Zealand tour

Jo Yapp has been named the first Women’s British & Irish Lions head coach in history, a landmark appointment that will see her lead a touring squad to New Zealand in 2027. She takes up the role full-time in January, having returned to the English setup earlier this year as Head of Women’s Pathway at the Rugby Football Union.

The moment she received the news was not without its complications. Poor phone signal at her home required three attempts before Yapp could get through to Lions management — and by the time she emerged from the call, her two children had already worked out what had happened, having listened through the door.

“I was overwhelmed, but they were all at the door, listening to see how I was going to be when I came out,” Yapp said. “It was just amazing actually to be able to be at home and to share that with them immediately. They were so excited.”

The congratulations that followed carried particular weight. Among those who reached out were figures Yapp had looked up to throughout her own playing career.

“To have people that were my kind of role models growing up in the women’s game, people like Gill Burns and Donna Kennedy and Liza Burgess, people that I looked up to, to have them reach out and congratulate me was really special.”

Yapp, who has spent 30 years in women’s rugby as both player and coach, outlined her vision across two interview rounds — the first a presentation to a panel of six, the second before a smaller group. She described her pitch as rooted in her coaching journey, her understanding of the game, and her ideas around squad unity.

Her appointment was not universally anticipated. England head coach John Mitchell, whose side has dominated the women’s international game in recent years, had been widely considered the frontrunner. Yapp, widely respected for her ability to develop and connect with players, was chosen instead. The pair work closely together within the English setup, and Yapp was measured about the dynamic.

“Ultimately we have a strong relationship,” she said. “It’s exciting to be working alongside someone like that with so much experience.”

Yapp has been clear that the Lions squad will not be drawn exclusively from England, with talent across all four nations in consideration. She has already begun compiling informal notes on players, keeping an eye on form and monitoring those who may return from injury or pregnancy in time to press their case.

She has also sought advice from Andy Farrell, the Ireland head coach who led the men’s Lions to a 2-1 series victory in Australia last year. Farrell, she said, was open and generous with his insight — guidance Yapp intends to draw on as she begins shaping her own approach to the tour.