Maro Itoje has hinted that the British & Irish Lions could look beyond their traditional destinations and consider staging matches against France sometime after the 2029 campaign. The idea of a Lions‑France encounter is not brand new, but it has gained fresh momentum as the union’s leadership explores a broader itinerary for future tours. According to recent reports, the Lions may line up a fixture against 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 feasibility of extending the tour circuit to include stops in the Americas and Japan, a move that would mark a significant shift from the long‑standing four‑year rotation among New Zealand, South Africa and Australia.
The current rotation, which has been in place since 1989 when Australia was first added as a separate destination, has delivered a predictable pattern for more than three decades. While that consistency has helped preserve the Lions’ heritage, it has also prompted discussions about how the brand can evolve to stay relevant in a rapidly changing global rugby landscape. The so‑called “Beyond29” project, as outlined by The Telegraph, aims to assess new markets, new opponents and new formats while retaining the core values that define the Lions.
Itoje, a key figure in the Lions’ recent 2025 tour of Australia where he served as captain, expressed openness to the notion of a French venture. Speaking to Sky Sports News, he reflected on his own upbringing watching the Lions take on the traditional powerhouses of South Africa, New Zealand and Australia. “One of the great things about the Lions is its tradition,” he said. “I grew up watching the Lions play South Africa, New Zealand and Australia.
Those are all fantastic tours, but I think the Lions are expanding and there is probably scope for us to play games against France and perhaps other regions of the world.” He went on to stress that any evolution must be balanced with respect for the team’s historic identity. “It’s about exploring new opportunities while staying true to the traditional core,” Itoje explained. “Who knows?
Maybe a full‑blown tour to France could be a good thing, or perhaps just a one‑off match before we head to the usual three‑nation swing.” This sentiment captures the broader debate within rugby circles: should the Lions remain a tri‑nation tour entity, or should they become a more flexible ambassador of northern‑hemisphere rugby, capable of engaging with a wider array of opponents? Beyond the touring conversation, Itoje also used the interview to reaffirm his support for England head coach Steve Borthwick. England’s recent Six Nations campaign was disappointing, culminating in a fifth‑place finish and a historic loss to Italy that ended an 11‑test winning streak.
Despite the setbacks, Itoje remains confident that Borthwick can steer the team back to form. He highlighted the upcoming Nations Championship, where England will face South Africa, Fiji and Argentina, as a crucial opportunity for Borthwick to prove his mettle and secure his contract beyond the 2027 Rugby World Cup. Speaking at a Sky Sports event, the England captain emphasized the importance of unity and belief within the squad.
“We believe in what we’re doing,” he told the audience. “Steve is a great coach – Wiggy, Kev, Joe, Lee – all great coaches. We just need to gel together as a team, learn the lessons and move positively forward.” He acknowledged that the team fell short of expectations in the Six Nations but insisted that the experience had not diminished his faith in the side’s potential. “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 is going to go on to do special things.” If the Lions do indeed venture into new territories, a match against France could serve multiple purposes. It would provide a high‑profile test for both sides, generate fresh commercial interest, and give fans a novel spectacle that breaks the monotony of the existing schedule.
Moreover, a France encounter could act as a bridge between the traditional tours and the emerging markets in the Americas and Asia, showcasing the Lions’ adaptability and global appeal. In summary, while the official itinerary for post‑2029 Lions tours remains unconfirmed, the conversation sparked by Maro Itoje suggests a willingness among players and administrators to experiment with new destinations.
Whether that takes the form of a full tour of France, a single exhibition match, or a broader expansion into other continents, the underlying goal is clear: to keep the Lions relevant, exciting and true to their storied legacy while embracing the opportunities of a modern, interconnected rugby world.