Will the British and Irish Lions tour France after 2029? Maro Itoje admits there is a “possibility” of playing games against Les Bleus in the future.
The British and Irish Lions are reportedly set to face France for the first time in almost 40 years ahead of the 2029 tour to New Zealand, with further reports suggesting tours of France, America and Japan are being considered.
The Lions currently rotate between tours of New Zealand, South Africa and Australia every four years, but the new destinations are being explored by bosses as part of their new ‘Beyond29 project’, according to The telegraph.
The existing four-year rotation has been in place for 37 years since 1989, when Australia was added as a standalone tour for the first time.
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Sam Warburton studies examples of Itoje’s influential captaincy during the Lions series against Australia
Saracens star Maro Itoje, who captained the Lions for their 2025 tour to Australia, says he is open to the idea of ​​touring France in the future.
“One of the great things about the Lions is its tradition and I grew up watching the Lions play against South Africa, New Zealand and Australia,” Itoje said Sky Sports news.
“They’re all great tournaments and I think the Lions are expanding and I think there’s probably an opportunity for the Lions to play games against France and probably different regions of the world.
“But I think with evolution it’s about exploring new possibilities while staying true to its traditional core, so who knows?
“Maybe a full tour to France would be a good thing or maybe just a one-off game before they go out and play the traditional three nations.”
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The Lions made their first entrance in front of a full crowd for the first time in eight years!
Itoje: England can achieve special things under Borthwick
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England captain Itoje is throwing his support behind Steve Borthwick and insists faith remains in the squad
Itoje also reaffirmed his support for Steve Borthwick, insisting that England can achieve “special things” under his leadership despite an abysmal Six Nations.
England’s Six Nations campaign unraveled as they finished fifth after suffering four successive defeats, including a first international loss to Italy.
RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney has indicated head coach Borthwick will be handed this summer’s tour tournaments in the inaugural Nations Championship to orchestrate a revival.
If Borthwick delivers satisfactory returns against South Africa, Fiji and Argentina in July, he will be able to see out his contract until its expiry after the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
Itoje accepts that England fell short of expectations in the Six Nations, entering the tournament on an 11-Test winning run, but has expressed his belief that Borthwick and his coaching staff can turn things around.
“We believe in what we’re doing,” said the England captain Sky Sports at the Football Black List event.
“Steve is a great trainer – Wiggy [Richard Wigglesworth]Kev [Kevin Sinfield]Joe [Joe Shaw]Lee [Lee Blackett] – all good trainers.
“We just have to come together as a team, learn the lesson and move forward positively.
“We weren’t as successful as we wanted to be, but how I felt at the beginning of the tournament doesn’t change now.
“I have a lot of faith, a lot of belief in this England team and I think this England team will continue to do special things.
“It’s just about us learning the lesson and moving on.”
England’s Nations Championship matches
- First round: 4 July – South Africa vs England
- Second round: July 11 – Fiji vs England
- Third round: 18 July – Argentina vs England
- Fourth round: November 8 – England vs Australia
- Fifth round: 14 November – England vs Japan
- Round Six: November 21 – England vs New Zealand