The question of whether the British and Irish Lions will schedule a tour of France after the 2029 campaign has been raised by centre Maro Itoje, who hinted that there is "scope" for the composite side to arrange fixtures against the French national team in the future. Current speculation indicates that the Lions could face Les Bleus for the first time in almost four decades as part of the build‑up to the 2029 New Zealand tour, and other potential destinations such as the Americas and Japan are also being examined by the union’s leadership. Historically, the Lions have adhered to a strict four‑year rotation, alternating between New Zealand, South Africa and Australia. This pattern has been in place for 37 years, dating back to 1989 when Australia was added as a separate tour after a long period of playing only the southern hemisphere powerhouses.
The new destinations are being considered under the umbrella of the "Beyond29" project, a strategic initiative aimed at broadening the Lions’ horizons while preserving the core traditions that define the team. Maro Itoje, a key figure at Saracens and the captain of the Lions during the 2025 Australian tour, expressed openness to the idea of a French excursion.
Speaking to Sky Sports News, he reflected on his upbringing watching the Lions battle South Africa, New Zealand and Australia, noting that each of those tours holds a special place in rugby lore. "One of the great things about the Lions is its tradition and I grew up watching the Lions play South Africa, New Zealand and Australia," he said. "They're all great tours and I think the Lions is expanding and I think there's probably scope for the Lions to play games against France and probably different regions of the world." Itoje went on to stress that evolution is essential for the franchise, but it must not come at the expense of the values that have sustained it for more than a century.
"But I think with evolution, it's about exploring new opportunities, whilst remaining true to its traditional core so who knows?" he added. He suggested that a full‑blown tour of France could be a viable option, or perhaps a single exhibition match could be arranged before the Lions head to the traditional three‑nation tour schedule.
This flexibility would allow the governing bodies to test the waters in new markets while still honouring the established rotation. In addition to discussing the future of the Lions, Itoito also voiced his confidence in England head coach Steve Borthwick.
After a disappointing Six Nations campaign that saw England finish fifth – including an unprecedented loss to Italy – Itoje maintained that Borthwick still has the capacity to lead the side to "special things". He praised the coaching staff, naming Richard Wigglesworth, Kevin Sinfield, Joe Shaw and Lee Blackett as integral contributors to the team's development. The England captain highlighted the importance of unity and learning from setbacks.
"We just need to gel together as a team, learn the lessons and move positively forward," he told Sky Sports. He reiterated his belief that, despite the poor start to the tournament, the squad possesses the belief and talent required to bounce back.
"I have a lot of faith, a lot of belief in this England team, and I think this England team is going to go on to do special things," he said. RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney has indicated that Borthwick will be given the chance to shape the summer tour fixtures in the inaugural Nations Championship, with matches against South Africa, Fiji and Argentina slated for July. A successful performance in those games could secure Borthwick's position through the end of his contract, which runs until after the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia. The broader conversation about expanding the Lions' itinerary reflects a growing appetite within the rugby community for fresh match‑ups and new commercial opportunities.
A tour of France would not only revive a historic rivalry – the last Lions‑France encounter dates back to the early 1980s – but also tap into the passionate French fan base, potentially generating significant revenue and media interest. Moreover, playing in a European setting could provide logistical advantages, reducing travel strain for players and staff compared to the long-haul journeys to the southern hemisphere.
Critics, however, caution that any deviation from the established rotation must be carefully managed to avoid diluting the prestige of a Lions tour. The allure of a three‑nation tour lies in its rarity and the intense preparation that goes into facing the toughest opposition in the world. Adding extra stops could risk over‑extension and diminish the exclusive nature of the experience.
Nevertheless, the "Beyond29" initiative appears to be a thoughtful response to these concerns, proposing a measured expansion that respects tradition while embracing innovation. By allowing for one‑off fixtures or short‑term tours, the Lions could test new markets without committing to a full‑scale tour that might disrupt the historic cadence.
In summary, Maro Itoje's comments signal an openness within the Lions' leadership to explore playing France after 2029, either through a dedicated tour or a single match. While the traditional four‑year rotation remains the backbone of the Lions' identity, the sport's governing bodies are actively considering ways to evolve the brand, engage new audiences, and create additional revenue streams. As the 2029 New Zealand tour approaches, fans can anticipate further announcements that will clarify whether the Lions will indeed set foot on French soil in the near future, adding another chapter to an already rich and storied legacy.