Jo Yapp announced as first Lions coach for New Zealand tour
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 9, 2026, 2:22 PM
Last updated Jun 9, 2026
Jo Yapp has been named the first coach of the British and Irish Lions ahead of their inaugural tour to New Zealand next year. Yapp expressed her excitement at the appointment, describing it as a "real 'pinch-me' moment". She stated that her focus will be on selecting only the best players for the squad. This announcement marks a significant milestone in Lions history as they prepare for this prestigious tour.
- •Jo Yapp appointed as first British and Irish Lions coach.
- •Yapp emphasizes she will select only the best players.
- •Lions' inaugural tour to New Zealand scheduled for next year.
- •Yapp describes the experience as a 'pinch-me' moment.
- 4:10 PMYahoo Sports — Lions coach Yapp wants elite players on NZ tour
- 2:22 PMBBC Sport — Lions will pick best players - Yapp
"British and Irish Lions women's head coach Jo Yapp says she will pick the best possible side for the team's inaugural tour of New Zealand next summer. It could mean the team being heavily weighted towards world champions England.
"Jo Yapp says it was a "real 'pinch-me' moment" when finding out she would be the first British and Irish Lions coach and that she will only pick the "best players" for next year's inaugural tour of New Zealand.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 9, 2026, 4:10 PMLions coach Yapp wants elite players on NZ tour
British and Irish Lions women's head coach Jo Yapp says she will pick the best possible side for the team's inaugural tour of New Zealand next summer. It could mean the team being heavily weighted towards world champions England.
- BBC SportJun 9, 2026, 2:22 PMLions will pick best players - Yapp
Jo Yapp says it was a "real 'pinch-me' moment" when finding out she would be the first British and Irish Lions coach and that she will only pick the "best players" for next year's inaugural tour of New Zealand.
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