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The British & Irish Lions is pleased to announce that a feasibility study into the possibility of holding a Lions women’s tour has been completed with positive initial findings. The study investigated key aspects of creating a Lions women’s tour with a consultation process exploring rugby, brand, commercial, financial, spectator, logistical and scheduling considerations. The feasibility study was funded by Royal London, the inaugural ‘Principal Partner’ of the Lions women’s programme and was undertaken by sports marketing agency Two Circles.
The British & Irish Lions and its constituent unions are now working through a number of considerations including the potential structure and timing of a tour.
Based on the outcome of these discussions and critical considerations being successfully addressed, a final decision can be made on whether the proposed tour can proceed.
Ben Calveley, Chief Executive Officer, The British & Irish Lions said: “It is extremely positive that a British & Irish Lions women’s tour is possible in the future. While there is much to be considered, we are committed to taking the findings of this feasibility study and working closely with our unions as well as other stakeholders in the coming months.
“I would like to thank World Rugby, our four unions from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales for their ongoing support. There has been a strong level of collaboration since the beginning of this process, and we are all united behind exploring this project fully.”
“I would also like to thank our Principal Partner, Royal London, for their continued support and Two Circles, for conducting the feasibility study.”
Ieuan Evans, British & Irish Lion, Chairman of the Lions Board, member of the WRU Board and Chair of the Lions Women’s Steering Group, said: “We are really encouraged by the initial findings of this feasibility study. We know there is significant support for the concept of creating a Lions women’s team and this is an important step along the way to exploring how that can be made a reality - great progress has been made to this point and a lot of work remains to be done.”
Susie Logan, Group Chief Marketing Officer at Royal London, said: “Through our partnership with The British & Irish Lions, our aim is to make a positive impact on women’s rugby and continue the growth and success story. The findings of the feasibility study are an extremely important initial step towards creating a really compelling Lions women’s tour and as Principal Partner of the Lions women’s programme, we are really excited to develop this concept further.”
Notes to editors
The Lions Women’s Feasibility Study Steering Group members included:
- Ieuan Evans MBE (Chair) – British & Irish Lion, Chairman of The British & Irish Lions Board, Chair of the WRU Board
- Ben Calveley – Chief Executive Officer, The British & Irish Lions
- Susie Logan – Group Chief Marketing Officer, Royal London
- Joanna Manning Cooper – Group Director of Corporate Affairs, Sky
- Max Taylor – Consumer Director, Vodafone
- Simon Rowe – VP of Global Sports Marketing, Pentland Brands
- Sue Day MBE – RFU Chief Operating & Financial Officer, RFU Board
- David Nucifora – Performance Director, IRFU
- Gemma Fay – Head of Girls’ and Women’s Strategy, Scottish Rugby
- Hannah John – Women’s High-Performance Lead (Acting), WRU
- Nicky Ponsford – Women’s High-Performance Manager, World Rugby
- Shaunagh Brown – English Rugby International
- Niamh Briggs – Irish Rugby International
About Royal London Ireland
Royal London Ireland has a history of protecting its policyholders and their families in Ireland, and recently launched a new Pensions business in Ireland. Our business heritage in Ireland is nearly 200 years. The Caledonian Insurance Company's first office outside Edinburgh opened on Dame Street, Dublin 2 in 1824.
Today, Royal London Ireland is owned by The Royal London Mutual Insurance Society Limited – the largest mutual life insurance, pensions, and investment company in the UK, and in the top 25 mutuals globally, with assets under management of €178 billion, 8.6 million policies in force, and 4,100 employees. Figures quoted are as at 30 June 2023.
Royal London Ireland’s office is based at 47-49 St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2.