Jo Yapp insists Women’s Lions will draw from all four unions after appointment as head coach

Jo Yapp Emphasizes Inclusivity for Women’s Lions Squad

Jo Yapp insists Women s Lions - Jo Yapp has been named as the head coach of the British and Irish Lions women’s team, marking a historic milestone for the rugby union’s first all-female touring side. The 46-year-old, who previously led the Australian national team to victory in the 2022 World Cup, has expressed her commitment to ensuring the team’s roster reflects the strengths of each of the four constituent unions. This decision follows a thorough selection process, with Yapp highlighting the importance of diversity in the squad to foster a competitive and balanced representation.

A New Era for the Women’s Lions

Yapp’s appointment comes just over 15 months before the Lions embark on their inaugural six-match tour to New Zealand, a strategic move aimed at expanding the team’s global footprint. The new head coach will take charge in January, with the primary task of finalizing the historic squad that will represent the British and Irish unions on the international stage. Her role will involve not only scouting talent but also navigating the challenges of assembling a cohesive group from across the UK and Ireland.

“Ultimately, we want to pick the best players,” Yapp said. “As it stands, and having watched a lot of games in the Six Nations, the PWR, Celtic Challenge, you watch all those games and as it stands, there are a lot of very good players across the other unions that will definitely put in their hand up.”

Yapp, who previously captained the England team and now focuses on developing the women’s pathway, acknowledged the potential for England to dominate the squad. The Red Roses have claimed the last eight Women’s Six Nations titles, maintaining a record of not losing to Ireland, Wales, or Scotland in over a decade. However, she emphasized that her priority is identifying the most capable athletes, regardless of their union affiliation.

“Although it's not a long time [until the tour], there's a lot of games to be played,” Yapp added. “I’m looking forward to seeing how the games go and how people put their hand up.”

Collaboration and Strategy

Yapp’s approach to coaching is rooted in collaboration, as she has already engaged with several key figures in the rugby world. Notably, she spoke with Andy Farrell, the former men’s Lions head coach who guided the team to a 2-1 series win in Australia last summer. Farrell’s insights into building a successful squad were instrumental in shaping Yapp’s vision for the women’s team.

“He was super open, firstly, which was really lovely,” Yapp reflected. “I think one of the things he talked about in terms of making sure when you're pulling together your staff team, that you get the right people there, people that you can trust, that you can work with.”

Yapp is also in discussions with John Mitchell, the head coach of the Red Roses, to coordinate their efforts over the next 12 months. Mitchell’s team has been a dominant force in women’s rugby, but Yapp believes there is untapped potential in the other unions. “As soon as I was part of the process, and obviously the Six Nations was kicking off, you just can't help yourself [picking possible squads],” she noted. “That'll obviously be a continuous piece of work now over the next 18 months, until post-Six Nations next year.”

Yapp’s focus on inclusivity is part of a broader strategy to create a sustainable pathway for women’s rugby. Her experience with the England team has given her a deep understanding of the sport’s development, and she is keen to support emerging talents like Emily Scarratt, a key player who has benefited from her mentorship. “I think it’s really important that we keep an open mind,” Yapp said, emphasizing the need to consider players returning from injuries, pregnancies, or other personal challenges.

Tour Logistics and Fan Engagement

The Lions’ decision to tour New Zealand is tied to a feasibility study conducted in partnership with Royal London, which evaluated the viability of such a venture. The tour’s centerpiece will be a three-Test series against the Black Ferns, the six-time world champions, designed to test the women’s team against elite opposition. Lions chief executive Ben Calveley expressed optimism about the tour’s potential to draw large crowds, mirroring the success of the men’s Sea of Red phenomenon.

“It's really important to us that we are playing in front of big crowds, ideally in sell-out stadiums,” Calveley stated. “The exact nature of the travel element of that, who knows?”

Calveley acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding fan attendance, noting that the men’s tour to Australia saw a mix of supporters from the UK and Ireland, as well as those traveling from within the host country. He hopes the women’s tour will achieve similar results, with accessible travel packages and flexible arrangements to encourage participation. “Our job is to build the excitement, to put on travel packages that are right for the people that are able to travel, to make them as accessible as possible because it is a long way and it's a significant commitment both in terms of time and money,” Calveley explained.

Yapp’s role as head coach will require balancing her responsibilities between the women’s team and her ongoing work with England. This dual focus underscores the growing importance of women’s rugby within the British and Irish unions, as the sport continues to gain traction. The success of the Lions’ women’s team could serve as a catalyst for further investment and recognition in the women’s game.

Looking Ahead

With the tour dates approaching, Yapp is determined to leverage her experience and insights to build a squad that embodies the spirit of the Lions. The inclusion of players from all four unions not only enhances the team’s depth but also promotes a sense of unity across the rugby community. As the selection process unfolds, the focus remains on creating a team that is both competitive and representative of the broader rugby landscape.

The Women’s Lions project represents a bold step forward for the sport, combining the legacy of the men’s team with the dynamic growth of women’s rugby. Yapp’s appointment signals a commitment to innovation and inclusivity, ensuring that the new squad is not just a reflection of current talent but also a foundation for future success. With the first match set to take place in New Zealand, the anticipation builds for a historic campaign that could redefine the sport’s international profile.