Jo Yapp sets selection tone after historic Lions women’s appointment

Jo Yapp is the first head coach of the British and Irish Lions Women. Her early message is clear: the squad for next year’s inaugural New Zealand tour will be selected on merit, with the strongest players in contention.

Yapp described learning of the role as a surreal and significant personal moment, underlining the historic nature of the appointment as the women’s Lions programme prepares for its first tour.

The selection comment gives editors and supporters an early talking point: how the Lions balance form, experience and representation across the home nations when building a squad for a landmark trip.

Further detail is still limited, including the precise selection process and wider coaching structure, so this draft should be treated as a short news-context piece pending additional confirmation or follow-up reporting.