The question of whether the British & Irish Lions will venture to France after the 2029 series has been raised by centre Maro Itoje, who hinted that there is "scope" for the iconic team to line up against the French national side in the years to come. The idea is part of a broader conversation about expanding the Lions' traditional itinerary, which has, for the past 37 years, been a strict four‑year rotation between New Zealand, South Africa and Australia. According to a report in The Telegraph, the governing bodies are now entertaining the possibility of adding new destinations such as France, the Americas and even Japan as part of a strategic plan dubbed the "Beyond29 project." This initiative aims to modernise the Lions' schedule while preserving the heritage that has made the team a global rugby brand.
Historically, the Lions' schedule was set in 1989 when a dedicated tour to Australia was introduced, completing the three‑continent rotation that had been in place since the late 1970s. That structure has provided a reliable rhythm: every four years a squad of the best players from England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland travels abroad to test themselves against one of the southern hemisphere powerhouses.
Yet the sport's commercial landscape has shifted dramatically, with broadcasters, sponsors and fans all seeking fresh narratives and new markets. The "Beyond29" concept is a response to those pressures, seeking to retain the tour's core values—team unity, a shared heritage, and the challenge of a foreign environment—while also exploring untapped opportunities. Maro Itoje, a standout lock for Saracens and a former Lions captain during the 2025 Australian tour, spoke candidly to Sky Sports News about his openness to a French venture.
"One of the great things about the Lions is its tradition, and I grew up watching the Lions take on South Africa, New Zealand and Australia," he said. "Those have all been fantastic tours, but the Lions are evolving. I think there is definitely scope for us to play games against France and perhaps other regions of the world as well." He emphasised that any change would need to respect the team's foundational ethos, noting that "evolution is about exploring new opportunities while staying true to the traditional core." Itoito also floated the idea of a full‑blown tour to France versus a single exhibition match.
"Maybe a full‑blown tour to France would be a good thing, or maybe just a one‑off game before we head out to the traditional three nations," he suggested. The flexibility of such an approach would allow the Lions to test the waters—gauging fan interest, logistical feasibility, and competitive balance—without committing to a permanent overhaul of the established rotation.
Beyond the discussion of new venues, Itoje used the platform to reaffirm his confidence in England head coach Steve Borthwick. The England side endured a dismal Six Nations campaign, finishing fifth after a string of four losses, including a historic defeat to Italy that marked their first ever loss to the Azzurri in an international match. Despite the disappointment, Itoje remained optimistic about Borthwick's capacity to steer a turnaround. He highlighted the support from the RFU, noting that chief executive Bill Sweeney has indicated that Borthwick will be given the reins for the inaugural Nations Championship tour later this summer, where England will face South Africa, Fiji and Argentina.
If the coach can deliver respectable performances in those July tests, his contract could be extended through the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia. "We believe in what we're doing," the captain told Sky Sports at a recent event. "Steve is a great coach—Wiggy, Kev, Joe, Lee—all fantastic mentors.
We just need to gel as a team, learn the lessons and move positively forward." Itoje acknowledged that the Lions' recent tour to Australia did not meet expectations, yet he maintained a steadfast belief in the squad's potential. "We weren't as successful as we wanted to be, but that doesn't change my belief now," he said. "I have a lot of faith in this England team, and I think we will achieve special things.
It's about learning the lessons and moving forward." The prospect of a Lions match in France carries significant symbolic weight. Historically, the Lions have only played the French side on a handful of occasions, the most notable being a one‑off fixture in 1986 that ended in a 16‑16 draw. A modern encounter would generate massive interest across both hemispheres, potentially unlocking new broadcasting deals and sponsorship avenues.
It would also offer players a rare chance to test themselves against a different style of play—France's flamboyant, expansive rugby contrasts with the more structured, physical approach traditionally seen in the southern hemisphere. Logistically, a tour of France would present challenges distinct from the usual southern hemisphere expeditions. The proximity of the French venues to the Lions' home nations would reduce travel fatigue, but the climate, pitch conditions, and cultural expectations would differ markedly. Moreover, scheduling a French test would need to fit within the congested international calendar, which already includes the Autumn Internationals, the Six Nations, and the Southern Hemisphere tours.
In summary, while the Lions' core rotation remains intact for the foreseeable future, there is a growing appetite among stakeholders to broaden the scope of the franchise. Maro Itoje's comments highlight a willingness among players to embrace new horizons, provided the changes honour the team's rich legacy.
Whether the Lions will eventually stage a full tour of France, a single high‑profile match, or perhaps explore other untapped markets such as the Americas or Japan, remains to be seen. What is clear is that the conversation has begun, and the "Beyond29" project may well redefine what a Lions tour looks like in the next decade.