Former Wales captain Ieuan Evans will chair a new steering group to discuss the feasibility of establishing a Women’s Lions team.
Evans will head up a 13-strong group that also features British & Irish Lions managing director Ben Calveley, as well as Anthony Eddy, the IRFU director of sevens and women’s rugby, World Rugby’s women’s high-performance manager Nicky Ponsford and WRU women’s high-performance lead Hannah John.
England prop Shaunagh Brown and former Ireland full-back Niamh Briggs are also part of the group which brings together experienced administrators and business executives from across the world of sport.
The group will initiate, oversee and contribute to a feasibility study to ascertain whether a Women’s Lions team could be formed.
The study is being funded by Lions Global Partner, Royal London, who are also the inaugural ‘Principal Partner’ of the Women’s Lions programme.
Evans said: “Women’s rugby is experiencing unprecedented growth around the world with participation levels continuing to increase every year.
“A Women’s Lions team is a big opportunity for the women’s game, and I am looking forward to working with the Steering Group to assess its viability.”
Calveley added: “We are excited to have put together such a stellar list of individuals who I know will add value to this project.
“I believe a Women’s Lions team is a huge opportunity, but there are a number of challenges to consider when looking to create a successful women’s set-up. Financial viability, suitable opposition and appropriate scheduling in the women’s rugby calendar will all need rigorous analysis, research and careful consideration.
“We are very grateful to be working with a purpose-driven organisation like Royal London on this initiative. Our broader commercial family – including Sky, Vodafone and Canterbury – have also committed to provide their expertise and play an active role in the feasibility analysis.”
