The question of whether the British and Irish Lions will set foot on French soil after the 2029 campaign has been sparked by recent comments from lock Maro Itoje, who hinted that there is "scope" for future fixtures against Les Bleus. According to reports circulating in the rugby press, the Lions could be scheduled to face France for the first time in almost four decades as part of the preparatory build‑up to the 2029 tour of New Zealand.
In parallel, senior administrators are reportedly weighing the merits of extending the traditional tour rotation to include stops in the Americas and even Japan, a strategic shift that would be rolled out under the umbrella of the so‑called "Beyond29" project, as detailed by The Telegraph. For more than three and a half decades the Lions have adhered to a strict four‑year cycle that swings between the three historic Southern Hemisphere powerhouses: New Zealand, South Africa and Australia.
This pattern was first established in 1989 when the Australian leg was added as a separate tour, and it has remained largely unchanged since then. The notion of breaking that rhythm has gained traction as rugby’s global landscape continues to evolve, with the governing bodies eager to tap into new markets, broaden the brand’s appeal, and provide fresh challenges for the composite side.
Maro Itoje, a standout forward for Saracens and a key figure in the Lions' 2025 Australian tour, voiced his openness to the idea of a French encounter during a recent interview with Sky Sports News. "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," Itoje said, underscoring the deep‑seated respect he holds for the established tours.
"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." He went on to stress that any expansion should remain true to the core values that have defined the Lions 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? Maybe a full‑blown tour to France might be a good thing or maybe just a one‑off game before they go and play the traditional three nations," Itoje added, hinting that a single high‑profile match could serve as a stepping stone toward a more extensive French itinerary. The idea of a Lions‑France clash is not merely a speculative fancy; it would mark a historic milestone, given that the two sides have not met since the 1980s.
A match on French soil could attract massive interest, especially as the sport continues to grow in popularity across Europe. It would also offer a unique preparatory test for the Lions ahead of a demanding New Zealand series, providing a different style of opposition and a chance to fine‑tune tactics in a high‑pressure environment. Beyond the French proposition, the "Beyond29" initiative is exploring other ambitious destinations.
Tours to the Americas—potentially including a stop in Argentina, Uruguay or the United States—could open up lucrative broadcasting opportunities and stimulate grassroots growth in regions where rugby is still emerging. Likewise, a Japanese leg would capitalize on the country's post‑World Cup enthusiasm, tapping into an enthusiastic fan base and state‑of‑the‑art facilities. While the strategic conversations continue at the administrative level, Itoito's remarks also touched on his broader perspective on English rugby.
He reaffirmed his confidence in England head coach Steve Borthwick, despite a disappointing Six Nations campaign that saw the team finish fifth after a string of defeats, including a historic loss to Italy. "We believe in what we're doing," Itoje told Sky Sports at a recent event, praising the coaching staff—including Richard Wigglesworth, Kevin Sinfield, Joe Shaw and Lee Blackett—as "great coaches" who are working to rebuild the squad.
Itoje acknowledged that the national side entered the tournament on the back of an impressive 11‑test winning streak, only to fall short of expectations. However, he expressed a steadfast belief that Borthwick can steer England back to form, especially if the upcoming July fixtures against South Africa, Fiji and Argentina are approached as a platform for revival. Successful performances in those matches could secure Borthwick's tenure through the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia, providing continuity and a chance to implement his long‑term vision. The broader narrative here is one of adaptation and ambition.
As the rugby world becomes increasingly globalised, traditional structures are being reassessed. The Lions, as a storied institution that blends the best talent from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales, are uniquely positioned to spearhead this evolution. By potentially adding France—and perhaps other non‑traditional locales—to its schedule, the Lions could enrich its heritage while delivering fresh, compelling rugby experiences for fans worldwide.
In conclusion, while no definitive schedule has been published, the comments from Maro Itoje and the strategic deliberations of the Lions' hierarchy suggest that a French encounter after 2029 is a realistic possibility. Whether it materialises as a single marquee test or a full tour, the prospect reflects a broader desire to modernise the Lions' itinerary, expand its global footprint, and keep the spirit of adventure alive for future generations of players and supporters alike.