British and Irish Lions marketing says “more than 124,000 supporters are expected to enjoy the action in person”.
Tickets go on sale at the end of this month, while packages ranging from £1,595 to £14,495 are already available.
There is a worry though that stadia will struggle to sell out, with the Black Ferns’ recent attendances languishing around 6,000-10,000.
But recent signs show there is cause for optimism.
The new One NZ Stadium in Christchurch, the third Test venue, is proving a real draw and has worked hard to build a women’s rugby fan base.
As a result, 11,793 turned out to watch Matatu take on Chiefs Manawa in June’s season opener
“New Zealand Rugby has had to start building this audience from scratch,” explained Soper. “They are slowly getting there.”
Super Rugby Aupiki operated as a fully professional, full-time competition for the first time this year and with firmer pathways now in place, the Black Ferns appear to be, what Soper calls “a team that is here to stay rather than sporadically assembled”.
The new WXV Global Series will no doubt provide an easy platform to drum up interest for the Lions tour.
As luck would have it, the Black Ferns will be in the UK later this month for Tests against Scotland and England, before hosting France in three of the Lions’ venues in October.
It should at the very least spark up some conversations while we await further announcements.
And for the players and coaches, it is a time to put their hand up for selection and become part of what will be sporting history.