The question of whether the British and Irish Lions might embark on a tour of France after the 2029 campaign has been raised by centre Maro Itoje, who hinted that there is "scope" for such fixtures in the future. According to recent reports, the Lions could line up a match against the French national side – Les Bleus – for the first time in almost four decades as part of the build‑up to the 2029 New Zealand tour.
In addition, the governing bodies are reportedly weighing the merits of expanding the traditional itinerary to include stops in France, various nations across the Americas, and even Japan. Historically, the Lions have adhered to a strict four‑year rotation, alternating between tours of New Zealand, South Africa and Australia.
This pattern has been in place for 37 years, dating back to 1989 when Australia was first added as a separate destination. The continuity of this cycle has become a hallmark of the Lions brand, but senior officials are now exploring a "Beyond29" project that could see the franchise break new ground and test new markets. The Telegraph has highlighted that this strategic review is aimed at keeping the Lions relevant in a rapidly changing global rugby landscape.
Maro Itoje, a key figure for Saracens and the captain of the Lions during the 2025 Australian tour, expressed openness to the idea of a French leg. Speaking to Sky Sports News, he reflected on his upbringing watching the Lions battle the traditional powerhouses – South Africa, New Zealand and Australia – and acknowledged that those tours have shaped the competition's legacy.
"All of those tours have been fantastic and I think the Lions are evolving," Itoje said. "There is definitely room for the Lions to play against France and perhaps other regions of the world as well." He went on to stress that any expansion must respect the core traditions that define the Lions while also embracing innovation. "Evolution is about exploring new opportunities while staying true to the heart of what the Lions represent," he explained.
"Who knows? Maybe a full‑blown tour of France could be a great addition, or perhaps a one‑off fixture before we head to the usual three‑nation tour." This comment suggests that the governing bodies could experiment with a single test match against France as a trial before committing to a full tour schedule. Beyond the discussion of future destinations, Itoje also used the platform to reaffirm his confidence in England head coach Steve Borthwick. After a disappointing Six Nations campaign that saw England finish fifth – including a historic first‑ever loss to Italy – the England captain remained supportive of Borthwick's vision.
The RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney has indicated that Borthwick will be tasked with delivering a strong performance in the inaugural Nations Championship, which will feature matches against South Africa, Fiji and Argentina in July. A successful showing could secure Borthwick's contract through the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia. Itoje acknowledged that England entered the Six Nations on the back of an impressive 11‑test winning streak, only to fall short of expectations. Nevertheless, he voiced belief that Borthwick and his coaching staff have the capacity to turn the tide.
Speaking at a Sky Sports Football Black List event, the England captain said, "We believe in what we're doing. 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 forward positively." He added, "We weren't as successful as we wanted to be, but my confidence in this group hasn't changed. I have a lot of faith in this England side and I think we will achieve special things.
It's about learning, growing and moving ahead together." The potential inclusion of France in the Lions' itinerary reflects a broader trend in international rugby: the desire to diversify fixtures, tap into new fan bases, and generate fresh commercial opportunities. While the traditional rotation has served the Lions well for nearly four decades, the sport's governing bodies recognize that staying static could limit growth. By considering a tour of France – a nation with a rich rugby heritage and a passionate supporter base – the Lions could create a compelling narrative that blends history with innovation.
If a full French tour were to materialise, logistical considerations would include scheduling, player welfare, and broadcast rights. A one‑off match might be simpler to arrange, serving as a showcase event that could be slotted into the existing calendar without disrupting the established four‑year rhythm.
Conversely, a multi‑match tour would require more extensive planning but could offer deeper engagement with French clubs and regional supporters, potentially mirroring the success of past tours to the Southern Hemisphere. In summary, Maro Itoje's comments have opened the door to speculation that the Lions could break their long‑standing pattern and venture into new territory after 2029. Whether this takes the form of a single test against Les Bleus or an entire tour remains to be seen, but the conversation underscores a willingness among stakeholders to evolve while honoring the Lions' storied past.
At the same time, Itoje's endorsement of Steve Borthwick signals a united front for England as they look to rebuild after a challenging Six Nations, aiming to return to the top of the international game.