Historic First: Whangārei to Host Inaugural Howden British & Irish Lions Women’s Series Match

We are extremely proud to announce that Whangārei will host the first-ever match in British & Irish Lions Women’s history. On 4 September 2027 Semenoff Stadium will take centre stage as the Lions face the Black Ferns XV to open their inaugural New Zealand tour.

Having hosted the Men’s British & Irish Lions in 2017, welcoming the Women’s Series exactly ten years later is a significant privilege for our community. This announcement follows last month’s news that the Black Ferns will play France at Semenoff Stadium this coming October, further cementing Whangārei's reputation as a premier destination for international women’s rugby.

"Securing these major matches for 2026 and 2027 is a massive win for the Whangārei district and the wider Te Tai Tokerau region," says Semenoff Stadium CE Brent Markwick. "We are punching above our weight alongside cities like Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington, and Christchurch and it reenforces the importance that Semenoff Stadium plays as a key asset for our community. It is a credit to our facilities and our people that we continue to work with New Zealand Rugby to bring world-class sporting events to the North."

The 2027 tour will travel from North to South, with Whangārei serving as the gateway for fans and players to experience the best of Aotearoa.

"As a region, we look forward to welcoming the Lions - some of the finest athletes in the world - with the manaakitanga Northland is known for," says Markwick. "We are committed to ensuring the team, visiting fans, and our local supporters have an unforgettable experience defined by our beautiful landscapes, culture, world-class hospitality and incredible stadium atmosphere."

This achievement is the result of a strong collective effort. We extend a huge thank you to New Zealand Rugby for this opportunity, and we are grateful for the ongoing support of our collaboration partners, the Whangārei District Council and the Northland Rugby Union, in bringing major events to our district.

Fans from New Zealand, the UK, and across the world will have the chance to experience dynamic rugby and everything Aotearoa has to offer, with games being held in five cities Whangārei, Christchurch, Auckland, Hamilton and Wellington.

Across the five venues, Semenoff Stadium in Whangārei, Go Media Stadium in Auckland, FMG Stadium Waikato in Hamilton, Sky Stadium in Wellington and One NZ Stadium in Christchurch, over 124,000 fans will have the opportunity to see a Test or a tour game in person.

Key Tour Information:

• Whangārei Match: Saturday 4 September 2027 at Semenoff Stadium vs Black Ferns XV.
• Travel Packages: Available from May 2026.
• General Admission Tickets: On sale late 2026.

Register your interest: For tickets, travel packages, and tour updates, register your interest here. To stay updated on all upcoming events at Semenoff Stadium, sign up for our E-Newsletter here.

NZ Rugby Meida Release: Historic Howden British & Irish Lions Women’s Series to showcase New Zealand from North to South

• Tour to travel New Zealand from North to South
• Whangārei, Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington and Christchurch to host games throughout September 2027
• Travel packages available from May 2026 and 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.

Fans from New Zealand, the UK, and across the world will have the chance to experience dynamic rugby and everything Aotearoa has to offer, with the 2027 tour starting in Whangārei on 4 September, and ending with a final Test against the Black Ferns in the new One New Zealand Stadium in Christchurch on 25 September.

Five cities have been chosen to showcase this historic rugby event, and alongside Whangārei and Christchurch, games will also be played in Auckland, Hamilton and Wellington.

Across the five venues, Semenoff Stadium in Whangārei, Go Media Stadium in Auckland, FMG Stadium Waikato in Hamilton, Sky Stadium in Wellington and One NZ Stadium in Christchurch, over 124,000 fans will have the opportunity to see a Test or a tour game in person. 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.”

Opposition for the non-Test matches throughout the month will start with the Black Ferns XV, before an Invitational XV team will face the Lions in Hamilton. Kick-off times for all matches will be announced later this year.

Acting NZR CEO Steve Lancaster says: “We know how strong the Women’s Lions team will be and we want every match on tour to be a contest, so it’s important we have the right teams competing against them in the tour matches in Whangārei and Hamilton. The Black Ferns XV are no strangers to playing in Whangārei and will start the tour off well, and NZR is already looking at options for the invitational team, which is exciting.”

Women’s British and Irish Lions matches in 2027:

Saturday 4 September, Whangārei, Semenoff Stadium, v Black Ferns XV

Saturday 11 September, Auckland, Go Media Stadium, v Black Ferns

Tuesday 14 September, Hamilton, FMG Stadium Waikato, v Invitational XV

Saturday 18 September, Wellington, SKY Stadium, v Black Ferns

Saturday 25 September, Christchurch, One NZ Stadium, v Black Ferns