The question of whether the British and Irish Lions will venture to France for a series of matches after the 2029 season has been raised by none other than Maro Itoje, the towering lock who captained the side on its recent 2025 Australian expedition. In a candid interview with Sky Sports News, Itoje confirmed that there is indeed "scope" for the Lions to schedule fixtures against Les Bleus in the coming years, signalling a possible shift in the traditional touring pattern that has governed the composite team for nearly four decades.
Historically, the Lions have adhered to a rigid four‑year rotation, alternating between the Southern Hemisphere powerhouses of New Zealand, South Africa and Australia. This schedule, first instituted in 1989 when Australia was added as a standalone destination, has provided a predictable rhythm to the Lions’ calendar for 37 years. However, recent discussions among the governing bodies suggest a willingness to explore new horizons beyond this long‑standing framework. The Telegraph reports that the franchise’s leadership is currently evaluating a series of alternative venues under the banner of the "Beyond29" project, a strategic initiative aimed at broadening the Lions’ global footprint and offering fresh challenges for players and fans alike.
According to the latest speculation, the Lions could potentially face France for the first time in almost four decades as a precursor to the 2029 New Zealand tour. In addition to France, other regions under consideration include the Americas—where a match against a composite side from North or South America could be arranged—and Japan, a nation that has demonstrated a growing appetite for high‑level rugby. These proposals reflect a desire to diversify the Lions’ itinerary, providing exposure to different playing styles and cultures while still preserving the core identity of the team. Itoje, who has been a vocal advocate for the Lions’ heritage, expressed enthusiasm for the idea of expanding the tour schedule.
"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 told Sky Sports. "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 evolution should be balanced with respect for the franchise’s historic roots.
"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, underscoring the flexibility that could be built into future itineraries. The prospect of a French encounter is particularly intriguing given the recent resurgence of French rugby on the world stage. France’s national side, Les Bleus, have become a formidable force, boasting a blend of physicality, flair, and tactical sophistication that would present a stern test for the Lions.
A match on French soil could serve as a high‑profile showcase, drawing massive crowds and generating significant commercial interest, while also offering the Lions a chance to adapt to northern‑hemisphere conditions ahead of a possible Southern Hemisphere tour. Beyond the logistical considerations, Itoje also used the platform to reaffirm his confidence in England head coach Steve Borthwick, despite England’s disappointing performance in the most recent Six Nations.
England finished a lowly fifth place after enduring four consecutive defeats, including a historic loss to Italy that marked their first ever defeat to the Azzurri. Nevertheless, Itoje remained optimistic about the future under Borthwick’s stewardship. "We believe in what we're doing," the England captain said during a Sky Sports interview at the Football Black List 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." He acknowledged the team’s under‑achievement but emphasized that the experience had not diminished his belief in the squad’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.
It's just about us learning the lessons and moving forward," Itoje concluded. RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney has indicated that Borthwick will be given the chance to shape the upcoming summer tour fixtures in the inaugural Nations Championship, a new competition that aims to revitalize international rugby outside the traditional windows. If Borthwick can guide England to respectable performances against South Africa, Fiji and Argentina in July, his contract—set to run until the conclusion of the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia—could be extended, providing continuity and stability for the national side. In summary, while the Lions’ classic rotation remains intact for the immediate future, there is a growing appetite among administrators and players alike to broaden the scope of the franchise’s adventures.
Maro Itoje’s remarks highlight a willingness to embrace change, whether that takes the form of a full‑scale tour of France, a single high‑stakes match on French turf, or even ventures into the Americas and Japan. Such developments could enrich the Lions’ legacy, offering fresh challenges for the world’s elite players and delivering unforgettable moments for supporters worldwide.
The next few years will be pivotal in determining whether these ideas move from concept to reality, potentially reshaping the Lions’ identity for generations to come.