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The British & Irish Lions have confirmed that England coach Charlie Hayter will join their set-up with immediate effect ahead of the historic 2027 Women's Tour.
Hayter, who is currently Head of Women's Performance at the RFU, has been named General Manager of High Performance.
He will join the Lions on secondment, with his first task focused on the inaugural Women's Tour in 2027.
The former England Sevens coach will begin work on a part-time basis before joining the Lions Executive Team in January.
He will then take up the role full-time from 15 March 2027.
Hayter brings a wealth of experience to his new role.
The former Wasps and Worcester Warriors player also represented England at Sevens level before moving into coaching in 2019.
He became England Women's Sevens Head Coach and later led the Team GB Sevens programmes.
More recently, he has played a key role in the success of the Red Roses.
That includes their 2025 Rugby World Cup triumph and a run of Women's Six Nations Grand Slam victories.
His new role will see him shape the Lions' rugby plans, lead key areas of performance and help deliver the 2027 tour.
He will also help lay the foundations for the men's Lions tour in 2029.
Speaking after the announcement, Hayter said:
“It is a privilege to work for the Lions and a tremendous opportunity which I don’t take lightly.”
He added: “It’s an incredible time to be involved with 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 be stitched into the fabric of the Lions.
“I recognise the significance and responsibility of delivering an extraordinary Tour in 2027 and will have an immediate focus on shaping the success on the ground.”
Hayter also thanked the RFU for its support, with Conor O'Shea, Alex Teasdale and Bill Sweeney among those he praised.
The appointment is another major step in the Lions' preparations for their first Women's Tour.
The British & Irish Lions Women will make history in 2027 when they play their first-ever matches, including a three-Test series against New Zealand.
Head coach Jo Yapp will lead the Lions into six matches, starting with a clash against France in Cardiff.
The squad will then travel to New Zealand for five matches, including three Tests against the Black Ferns.
The 2027 series will mark the first time a British & Irish Lions Women's team has toured.
The Lions will face the Black Ferns in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, with two further matches against local opposition.
Their opening match against France will also give fans a first chance to see the historic side in action.
Kick-off times for the five New Zealand fixtures have yet to be confirmed.
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