A women's Lions tour is a step closer after The British & Irish Lions said that a feasibility study had been "completed with positive initial findings".
Every four years, a men's side featuring players from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales – travels to the southern hemisphere to take on Australia, New Zealand, or South Africa.
But the combined touring selection, which has existed in some form since 1888, does not currently have a women's equivalent.
"The British & Irish Lions and its constituent unions are now working through a number of considerations including the potential structure and timing of a tour," a statement said.
"Based on the outcome of these discussions and critical considerations being successfully addressed, a final decision can be made on whether the proposed tour can proceed."
The feasibility study took in rugby, brand, commercial, financial, spectator, logistical and scheduling considerations.
Ben Calveley, Chief Executive Officer of The British & Irish Lions said: "It is extremely positive that a British & Irish Lions women’s tour is possible in the future. While there is much to be considered, we are committed to taking the findings of this feasibility study and working closely with our unions as well as other stakeholders in the coming months.
"I would like to thank World Rugby, our four unions from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales for their ongoing support. There has been a strong level of collaboration since the beginning of this process, and we are all united behind exploring this project fully."
Ieuan Evans, British & Irish Lion, Chairman of the Lions Board, member of the WRU Board and Chair of the Lions Women’s Steering Group, said: "We are really encouraged by the initial findings of this feasibility study. We know there is significant support for the concept of creating a Lions women’s team and this is an important step along the way to exploring how that can be made a reality - great progress has been made to this point and a lot of work remains to be done."
Reacting to the statement, former England international Shaunagh Brown said: "Why wouldn't we want a Lions tour for women? In the men’s game, it is the ultimate honour.
"For me, as an elite athlete, you always want more. We have been given this massive green light and there is something to aim for.
"All of the home unions have professional playing contracts, to an extent. What they look like is a different question, but it is the start.
"Every project has to start somewhere. If and when a Lions women’s tour happens, all players have strong potential of being professional. We will be a force to be reckoned with."
Brown feels that a women’s tour would need to be a stand-alone event, rather than in tandem with the men, whose next trip is to Australia in 2025.
"The way the Six Nations used to be run, everything was on the back of and around the men’s tournament," she added.
"Then Covid happened and it was almost by accident that we now have our own separate Six Nations window in April and it works so well.
"For me, a separate women’s tour would be the way forward, as opposed to going off the back of the men. We have our own calendar and I think it is about what works for us.
"I feel like it (Lions tour) is going to happen. It’s exciting for the whole sport, whether it happens tomorrow or in 10 years’ time."
