Maro Itoje has hinted that the British and Irish Lions may look beyond their traditional schedule and consider playing matches against France in the years following the 2029 New Zealand tour. The prospect of a Lions‑France encounter is especially intriguing because it would mark the first time the composite side has faced the French national team in almost four decades.
Reports suggest that the governing bodies are already weighing the feasibility of adding France, as well as the Americas and Japan, to the Lions' itinerary as part of a broader "Beyond29" strategy aimed at diversifying future tours. Historically, the Lions have adhered to a strict four‑year rotation that alternates between New Zealand, South Africa and Australia. This pattern has been in place for 37 years, dating back to 1989 when Australia was first introduced as a standalone destination.
The consistency of that cycle has helped cement the Lions' identity, but the modern game’s global growth and the commercial appeal of new markets have prompted senior officials to explore alternative options. The "Beyond29" project, as reported by The Telegraph, is intended to keep the Lions relevant and financially viable while still respecting the core traditions that define the team. Itoje, a lock for Saracens and former Lions captain on the 2025 Australian tour, expressed openness to the idea of a French leg. Speaking to Sky Sports News, he reflected on his own upbringing watching the Lions battle the traditional powerhouses of South Africa, New Zealand and Australia.
"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." He went on to emphasize that any change must balance innovation with respect for the Lions' heritage. "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," Itoito suggested.
This sentiment captures the broader debate within rugby circles: should the Lions remain a tri‑nation touring side, or should they evolve into a more flexible brand capable of staging high‑profile fixtures in new locales? Beyond the touring conversation, Itoje also used the platform to reaffirm his confidence in England head coach Steve Borthwick.
England's performance in the recent Six Nations was disappointing, with the side finishing fifth after a string of defeats, including a historic loss to Italy. Despite the setback, Itoje remains optimistic about Borthwick's ability to turn the tide. He highlighted the importance of the upcoming summer tour, which will feature matches against South Africa, Fiji and Argentina as part of the inaugural Nations Championship. A strong showing in those games could secure Borthwick's contract through the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
The England captain acknowledged that the team entered the Six Nations on an impressive 11‑test winning streak, only to fall short of expectations. Yet he stressed that the lessons learned will serve as a catalyst for future success.
"We believe in what we're doing," he told Sky Sports at a recent event. "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." Itoje's remarks underline a broader theme in modern rugby: the tension between tradition and adaptation. While the Lions' historic tours have produced some of the sport's most memorable moments, the commercial realities of broadcasting rights, sponsorship deals and fan engagement are driving a re‑evaluation of the tour model. Adding France to the schedule could open up new revenue streams, attract a different fan base, and provide a fresh competitive challenge for the Lions, who have traditionally measured themselves against the Southern Hemisphere giants.
If a full tour to France were to materialise, logistical considerations would need to be addressed. The French rugby calendar is already packed with the Top 14, European competitions and national team fixtures, so finding a suitable window would require careful planning.
A single test match, perhaps scheduled as a warm‑up before a traditional tour, might be a more pragmatic first step. Such a fixture could serve as a showcase event, generating excitement and testing the appetite of French supporters for a Lions presence. In summary, while no concrete plans have been announced, the conversation around expanding the Lions' horizons is gaining momentum. Maro Itoje's willingness to entertain the idea, combined with the strategic "Beyond29" initiative, suggests that future Lions tours could look very different from those of the past.
Whether that means a one‑off clash against Les Bleus or a full‑scale French tour, the potential for new rivalries and expanded global reach is evident. As the rugby world watches, the Lions may soon embark on a new chapter that balances reverence for tradition with the opportunities of a modern, interconnected sport.