women
international women
The British and Irish Lions have made three key meetings as the countdown to their inaugural Women’s Tour accelerates next year.
The appointments include Charlie Hayter as general manager of high performance, Josie Symonds as head of athletics performance and Eimear Flannery as head of operations.
Jo Yapp, British & Irish Lions Women’s Head Coach, said: “I am delighted to welcome Charlie, Josie and Eimear to The British & Irish Lions. They will bring a unique skill set and invaluable expertise to what we are creating ahead of next year’s Lions Women’s Tour.
“Their wealth of experience in the game will set a fantastic foundation for what we want to deliver as a group of staff over the next 12 months, and I look forward to working with the three of them.”
Hayter joins on transfer from the Rugby Football Union, where he has been head of women’s performance since 2023. During his time in that role, ex England Head Coach of the Week helped the Red Roses secure back-to-back Guinness Women’s Six Nations titles and won the women’s Rugby World Cup in 2025
He will join the Lions with immediate effect on a part-time basis, joining the Lions Executive team in January and taking up the role full-time from March. Hayter will be responsible for shaping organizational strategy, driving performance and overseeing the successful delivery of the tour. His immediate priority will be to host the women’s tour in 2027, while also starting preparations for the men’s tour in 2029.
Hayter said: “It’s a privilege to work for BIL and a huge opportunity that I don’t take lightly. This is an incredible time to be involved in the growth of the Lions and the inaugural Women’s Tour, building on the legacy and foundations of previous tours – but also cutting fresh cloth to sew into the fabric of L.
“I recognize the importance and responsibility of delivering an outstanding Tour in 2027 and will have an immediate focus on shaping success on the pitch. It is also an exciting position to be in where we can lay some of the early foundations of the Men’s Tour in 2029.”
Symonds joins the Lions as a transfer from the Scottish Rugby Union, where she is currently Head of Women’s Athletics. She will oversee the athletic performance program for next year’s tour and help prepare the players for the physical demands of the Lions tour. She will join the Lions full-time from January.
Flannery completes this key part of the senior leadership team. She previously worked as Women’s National Team Manager and Weeks Program Manager at the Irish Rugby Football Union, as well as Rugby Operations Program Manager at Edinburgh Rugby.
She has been appointed Head of Operations, where she will lead the operational and logistical delivery of the Lions Women’s Tour.
Ben Calveley, Chief Executive of The British & Irish Lions, said: “It is fantastic to welcome three individuals of such caliber and expertise to The British & Irish Lions, and I would like to thank their unions for their support in making these appointments possible.
“These appointments will play an important role in laying the foundations for an exciting 12 months ahead. I am absolutely confident that Charlie, Josie and Eimear will make valuable contributions to Joe and the wider team as we build towards what promises to be a landmark year.”
