Carol Isherwood has been appointed as the first chair of The British and Irish Lions Women's Committee.

The former England and Great Britain international was a founding member of the Women's Rugby Football Union before acting as its first chair.

For her services to women's rugby, Isherwood was awarded an OBE in 2003 before later being inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame in 2014.

Her initial focus in her new role will be to oversee the inaugural Lions Women's tour to New Zealand in 2027.

Ieuan Evans MBE, Chair of The British & Irish Lions said: "This a hugely significant appointment ahead of our inaugural Lions Women's tour.

"Supporting the growth of the women's game is a key strategic priority and we are now writing yet more exciting chapters of Lions history, of which Carol becomes a key part. [She] has been a leading figure in women's rugby on and off the pitch and her unique insight will help guide us as we continue to build on the Lions legacy."

Isherwood added: "I feel privileged to chair The British and Irish Lions Women's Committee and join the Lions board at this very exciting time.

"Having worked in the women's game for more than four decades, alongside experiencing the first-ever Great Britain and England women's rugby teams, the Lions Women's team and tour provide another opportunity to showcase the women's game.

"I am looking forward to contributing in a meaningful way to make the inaugural tour in New Zealand a success and [exploring] how we can all work together to inspire and drive the continued growth of women's rugby."