## Nike Returns as Official Kit Supplier for the British & Irish Lions, Including Inaugural Women’s Team
The British & Irish Lions have announced a landmark partnership with Nike, bringing the US sportswear giant back into the fold as the association’s Official Kit supplier and a Principal Partner of the Howden British & Irish Lions Women’s Series 2027 [[2]], [[3]]. this marks a significant moment for the Lions, particularly as it encompasses the inaugural Lions Women’s Team tour to New Zealand in 2027 [[1]].
Under the agreement, Nike will provide all performance, training, and leisure apparel for both the Lions Women’s squad and the official touring party [[1]]. Beyond the on-field apparel, Nike will also create lifestyle and training collections for supporters, slated for release later this year [[1]].
This partnership signifies a return for Nike, which previously supplied kits for the British & Irish Lions during the 1993 men’s tour to new Zealand [[1]].The move ends Canterbury’s tenure as the Lions’ kit supplier, a relationship that began in 2017, encompassing the 2017 series in New Zealand and the 2021 edition in South Africa [[1]]. Canterbury had taken over from Adidas, who had a long-standing 18-year partnership with the lions.
The iconic red Lions shirts are renowned within the rugby world and consistently generate substantial replica sales [[1]].
In addition to the kit supply, Nike will also become a principal partner of the Lions Origins Clubs and schools grassroots program [[1]].The inaugural women’s team will be sponsored by Royal London on the front of their shirts, while Howden will continue its sponsorship of the Lions, having previously sponsored the men’s tour to Australia in 2025 [[1]].
“we are delighted to confirm this milestone partnership with Nike as we prepare for the inaugural British & Irish Lions Women’s Series to New Zealand in 2027,” said Ben Calveley, CEO of The British & Irish Lions [[1]]. “The creation of the first ever Lions Women’s jersey represents a hugely significant moment in our history.”
