JO YAPP has been appointed head coach of the British and Irish Lions women’s team for their inaugural tour to New Zealand next year, it was announced yesterday.

Yapp has been chosen ahead of fellow England employee John Mitchell for the role and will start work for the Lions on a part-time basis in July before becoming full-time in January.

The former Red Roses captain currently acts as head of women’s pathway at the Rugby Football Union but was in charge of Australia for last year’s World Cup and has coached internationally at age-grade level and in Premiership Women’s Rugby.

Mitchell was also a strong candidate for the position after guiding England to World Cup glory in September and had indicated he was interested in the role.

But the Lions have turned to Yapp to take charge of their maiden voyage with chief executive Ben Calveley revealing the decision was influenced by the ambition to elevate female coaches.

“Jo’s breadth of experience across [Britain’s] club game and the international women’s game in the southern hemisphere made her an outstanding candidate for this role,” Calveley said.

“Her vision for bringing together players from the four unions was hugely compelling and we are thrilled to welcome her on board.

“The selection process was rigorous, competitive and international in scope as befitting the significance of this historic appointment.

“For a moment that represents such a step forward for the game, it was important to us that this appointment serves our desire to grow and support all aspects of the women’s game including the promotion of female coaches.”

The Lions face three Tests against the Black Ferns in September 2027 and will play two further games in the five-fixture itinerary.

England are expected to provide the bulk of the touring party and the Test team having recently been crowned Grand Slam champions for a fifth successive year, extending their winning run to 38 Tests.

“To lead the first-ever Lions women’s team is an incredible honour and something I’m immensely proud of,” Yapp said.

“The Lions represents the very best of our sport and this tour to New Zealand is an opportunity to create something truly special and help shape the future of women’s rugby for years to come.

“I know from experience how challenging it is to face the Black Ferns on home soil, but that challenge is exactly what makes this tour so exciting.

“There is an enormous amount of talent across the four unions and I’m looking forward to bringing together the very best players to represent the Lions in 2027.”