Stars of rugby’s present and future gathered in London at the inaugural Royal London Lions Women Engagement Day as anticipation builds ahead of an historic opening Tour in 2027.
World Cup finalist Ellie Kildunne, Scotland captain Rachel Malcolm and rising stars such as Ireland’s U20 captain Jane Neill and Wales’ Alaw Pyrs were among the players from all four unions who were in attendance to help shape the Tour
England U20 player Grace Clifford was proud to be part of a day that represented the start of something which will etch the names of those who take part into history.
“I wrote my family phrase ‘picture like a picture’ on the inspirational quotes wall, which basically means ‘it’s a true thing’,” she said.
“The Lions is a true thing for us now, we’ve had the investment in it and now we’re ready to make it happen.
“This is going to be unstoppable. People keep saying we’re making history but we are the history.”
All players took part a discussion on the importance of growing the women’s game, with insights from Lionesses football star Alessia Russo and former Welsh international Philippa Tuttiett alongside Head of Women and Girls Strategy at Scottish Rugby Union, Gemma Fay, and the IRFU’s Women’s Head of Performance and Pathways, Gillian McDarby.
One of the main focusses of the day was centred around gathering the thoughts and opinions of the athletes in planning a Tour, from future locations, kit and values.
“It has been great to be here and feel part of something like this,” said Irish player Sam Monaghan. “They have asked for our opinions on so many elements of the Tour which is so exciting for us as players.”
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Natasha Hunt has been part of the England international set-up since 2011 and was thrilled to see that the day leant heavily on getting the input of the players and involving them in the important conversations that will go on to affect those chosen as part of the Lions squad.
“The big thing about the British & Irish Lions brand is that they want the player involvement,” she said. “It’s not just all talk, they’ve actually done something about it.
“They’ve asked for a lot of information from us about what we feel should be included and what’s important to us on a Tour.
“It makes you feel super special and that’s what it means to be a British & Irish Lion, being involved in the process is pretty epic.”
Wales international Jasmine Joyce-Butchers echoed Hunt’s comments on the importance in bringing together so many people to canvas opinions and build a Lions Tour that encapsulates what players want and need.
“Days like this are special because none of us really knew what to expect but it’s great to have a mixture of younger girls and experience here,” she said.
“Each of us can help each other with what we expect and want from the Tour.
“The Lions is the best of the best. Four nations coming together will 23 players on the squad.
“It’s not just Wales, Scotland, Ireland or England, it’s everyone together.”
Scotland youngster Poppy Mellanby added: “As one of the youngest people here, I never thought I would be asked to come to an event like this.
“It has been so well thought out with the players taken into consideration and I’m excited by the opportunity of a Lions Tour now.”
Julie-Ann Hall, Head of Brand at Royal London, added of the event: “Royal London is incredibly proud to be the Founding Partner of the British & Lions Women’s Tour and it was so exciting to see the players and coaches from the four Unions come together as potential 2027 Lions teammates to start to shape the Tour. It was also wonderful to hear firsthand the impact of our Levelling the Playing Field £3m Grant on the player and coach pathways in the run up to 2027.”
