Exciting times ahead for Welsh women’s rugby! 🏉 Former Wales captain Siwan Lillicrap is championing our talented players to make their mark on the first-ever Lions Women’s Tour in 2027, set in the rugby heartland of New Zealand. Despite challenges in the Women’s Six Nations, Lillicrap is confident that a handful of emerging Welsh stars can secure spots on the tour.
Lillicrap highlights promising young players like Jorja Aiono, Branwen Metcalfe, and Seren Lockwood, who have already made waves in international rugby and have the potential to grow into world-class athletes. Under Jo Yapp, the first-ever head coach for the Lions Women, these players have a golden opportunity to shine.
But it’s not just the young guns catching attention; seasoned players like the inspirational Alex Callender, powerhouse Sisilia Tuipulotu, and dynamic Keira Bevan are also in the spotlight. Even though injuries have hit hard, these athletes have the skill, experience, and grit to compete against the best.
Beyond the pitch, Lillicrap is pushing for grassroots growth, too. Thanks to the Royal London’s Championing Women and Girls’ Grassroots Rugby Award, clubs can apply for a ÂŁ10,000 grant to uplift their women’s and girls’ programmes—game-changing support for the sport’s future.
Two Welsh clubs, Caernarfon RFC and Ynysddu, have already benefited from this fantastic support, funding projects to break down barriers in women’s rugby. More clubs are encouraged to apply before 20 July 2026 and transform their local rugby scenes.
Let’s rally behind our Welsh stars and clubs as they reach for the Lions’ jerseys and continue building rugby’s legacy from grassroots to glory! 🌟 #WelshRugby #LionsTour2027 #GrassrootsToGlory