Lawrence Dallaglio: the Lions need a women's side

England rugby legend Lawrence Dallaglio has called for the creation of a British & Irish Lions women's Test team.

Speaking on The Ruck podcast, the Rugby World Cup winner argued it made sense - at a time when the future of the Lions is being questioned - to strengthen the brand by introducing a women's side. 

"It's certainly something they've got to look to for the future," Dallaglio said. "One of the big growth areas in rugby over the past decade has been women's rugby.

"I think there's a huge opportunity with the Lions to introduce women's Test rugby at Lions level. I genuinely believe the future of the Lions should include women as well." 

Also talking to The Ruck, The Times deputy rugby correspondent Alex Lowe confirmed the creation of a female team is under serious consideration by the Lions management. 

"The Lions' stance on it is it's a matter of 'when' not 'if'," Lowe said. "There is a challenge of making the team representative of the four nations because England, as the only fully professional team, are some way ahead.

"But they don't have to mirror the men, they could play a Test series in France which would be sensationally good. French crowds for women's matches are enormous and the passion there is fantastic."

The Ruck podcast is available to download every Monday on Acast and iTunes.