Royal London Lions Women Engagement Day

Lions Women

FAQs

As part of the Levelling The Playing Field Fund (LTPFF), Home Unions have agreed to the concept of ‘Engagement Days’, attended by 10 players from each Union for 1 – 2 days each year (2024, 2026 and 2027).  

The objectives of the days are: 

  1. Encourage Player buy-in for the Lions Women’s Tour  

  2. Share background to the development of Lions Women and what is same/different for Lions Men’s /Women’s  

  3. Encourage Pathway Players to aspire to being on the Tour; committing themselves to doing their best to make the Tour Party for NZ 2027 

  4. Capture content for use by Lions and Commercial Partners to help build anticipation for NZ2027  

  5. Begin to set the tone and culture of the Lions Women’s Tour  

  6. Introduce players from Home Unions to each other- build rapport and relationships 

The first Engagement Day was held in London in November 2024. There are no on-pitch or high-performance objectives this year, however there may be pitch-based activity for content capture (e.g. passing, kicking, rugby posts in back-drop etc.) and this may change next year. 

The objectives show that there is a mix of both Commercial and Rugby activity, with the rugby elements largely taking place in the morning and the commercial and communications content capture taking place in the afternoon. 

In total, 30-40 players from each Union will be invited to attend an Engagement Day over the 3 years.

The confirmed date for the second Engagement Day is Wednesday January 21st., 2026. The day will start at approximately 08:30 and finish at approximately 15:30. NB: No more than 1 day will be required this year, with optional dinner and accommodation provided the night before to any player who wishes to meet other players in a more informal setting.

A detailed schedule is being finalised. The morning will largely be taken up with discussion on rugby elements (background to the Lions Women; Planning; Kit etc.) with Communications and Commercial content capture after lunch. The start time is 08:30 with a finish time of 15:00.  

No media will be involved on the day but there will be content capture for the Lions and sponsor purposes. 

All players attending Engagement Days, receive a £250 honorarium (with travel and accommodation also paid for by LIONS) for their attendance to acknowledge their personal contribution to the rugby-element of the day.

B&I LIONS will also make a further £5,000 for the development of Women’s Rugby and ask that Unions consult with the players as to how those funds should be allocated. This is to recognise that the players attending the Engagement Day are representing the squad and conducting commercial appearances on the day.

Players who attend the Engagement Days will be invited to share their perspectives on various aspects of the Tour planning and learn about the background to the Lions. Players are encouraged to feedback to their player group what they learn on the days. 

10 players will be invited from each Union, including 5 Pathway players. This is the second of three planned Engagement Days and it is envisaged that 30-40 players (in total) from each Union, will get the opportunity to attend an Engagement Day. 

The British & Irish Lions Executive decided who should be invited to the Engagement Day. In consultation with the Unions, it was agreed that: 

  1. There should be a mix of forwards and backs from each country. 

  2. There should be a limited number of players from any one club selected. 

  3. There should be a balance of Pathway Players and Established Internationals. 

No. An invitation to an Engagement Day has no bearing on selection for NZ2027. Over the course of the 3 Engagement Days (2024, 2026 and 2027)  30-40 Players from each Union will be invited; a total of 120-160 Players. 

A Head Coach will be appointed closer to the Tour and they will have responsibility for the selection of players and management for the Tour. 

No- players will share twin rooms, as would happen on a Lions Tour. When accepting the invitation, players will be asked whether they would prefer to share with a member from their own union or from another union.  

All players are required to bring their trainers and boots for content capture.

We will provide you with a polo-shirt, t-shirt, top, track pants, socks and shorts to wear during the Engagement Day. Please be sure to indicate your size when registering. 

If you arrive directly to the venue on Wednesday 21st, we will provide you with this on your arrival and direct you to a suitable location for you to change. If you are staying in the hotel on Tuesday 20th, your kit will be given to you on arrival. 

When players click on the link in the invitation, players will be given the option to book accommodation for the evening of Tuesday, 20th January.

The Hoxton, Edinburgh

When players click on the link in the invitation, players will be given the option to book confirm if they wish to attend the evening meal on Tuesday, 20th January. It is expected that this will be at 7:30pm at the hotel.

If a player’s travel to and from the venue costs less than £200, players should book their own travel and keep receipts. Players will be asked to complete an expense form and will be paid on receipt of this form / proof of purchase. If a player’s travel to and from the venue costs more than £200, players should email [email protected] with requested train/flight bookings

Players will be asked to complete an expense form and will be paid on receipt of this form. 

We will only use your contact details to communicate with you regarding the event, and not for marketing or other purposes.