British & Irish Lions side a step closer

The British & Irish Lions will officially study the feasibility of launching a women's team after receiving sponsorship to explore the possibility.

The idea was first discussed with the English, Irish, Welsh and Scottish unions in 2019 with Lions managing director Ben Calveley saying it was a case of "when, not if" a women's team would go on tour.

He now describes the investment from insurance firm Royal London as an "important first step" towards establishing a women's side.

The Barbarians already run both men's and women's teams on a one-club basis.