Go Media Stadium to host historic first ever British & Irish Lions Women's Test match

The British & Irish Lions Women's team will tour New Zealand in 2027 to take on the Black Ferns, with the first ever test match taking place right here in Tamaki Makaurau.

Go Media Stadium to host historic first ever British & Irish Lions Women's Test match

The British & Irish Lions Women's team will tour New Zealand in 2027 to take on the Black Ferns, with the first ever test match taking place right here in Tamaki Makaurau.

Howden Lions Women’s Series to travel New Zealand from North to South in 2027
Three test series begins in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland at Go Media Stadium
This Test is proudly supported by Auckland Council Events.
General admission tickets on sale late 2026

The first-ever Howden British & Irish Lions Women’s Series to New Zealand has taken a major step forward, with fixture dates, oppositions, cities and host venues now revealed.

Go Media Stadium will host the first ever Lions Women’s Test match, as the touring team take on the Black Ferns in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland on Saturday 11 September, 2027.

The Howden Lions Women’s Series begins with a Lion’s Women’s vs Black Ferns XV match in Whāngarei before heading to New Zealand’s Large Venue of the Year for the first round of a three Test series.

Fans from New Zealand, the UK, and across the world will have the chance to experience dynamic rugby and everything Aotearoa has to offer. Five cities have been chosen to showcase this historic rugby event, from Auckland to Christchurch.

Tātaki Auckland Unlimited’s Director of Auckland Stadiums James Parkinson said, “We’re honoured to be a part of this historic series and to host the first ever Lions Women’s Test match. The tour will be a special opportunity to showcase Tāmaki Makaurau and Aotearoa on a global stage.”

““The atmosphere on game day at Go Media Stadium is renowned so we’re already counting down the days until we see the stands packed with black and red jerseys, ready to make history.”

Acting CEO of New Zealand Rugby (NZR) Steve Lancaster says the tour has been designed by NZR and British & Irish Lions in collaboration, making sure fans and players are seeing as much of the nation as possible, bringing rugby to multiple cities and venues.

“Lions tours are something truly special, and we want this experience for players and fans alike. 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.

“Being in iconic New Zealand venues and seeing international rugby of this calibre is going to make this an unmissable experience, and I’d encourage fans to start making plans to be part of this inaugural tour.”

Ben Calveley, CEO, The British & Irish Lions, commented, “This is a hugely significant milestone for the British & Irish Lions. This announcement makes our first ever Tour feel closer for everyone, from fans planning their trip to players dreaming of pulling on the Lions jersey.

“New Zealand will offer a fantastic stage and we are excited to take the Howden British & Irish Lions Women’s Series from North to South and create something truly special for the women’s game.”

The Auckland test match is proudly supported by Auckland Council Events.

Match details

British & Irish Lion’s v Black Ferns - Saturday 11 September, Auckland, Go Media Stadium

Kick-off times for all matches will be announced later this year.

Tickets

Fans can register their interest in tickets, travel packages and other Tour updates here. Travel packages go on sale in May to Priority Access Pass holders and June to general public, followed by general admission tickets on sale late 2026. Fans can sign up for Lions Rugby Travel priority access ticket-inclusive packages here and All Blacks Travel and Hospitality packages here.