Maro Itoje says there is “scope” for the British & Irish Lions to play France in the future as the team considers new destinations beyond its traditional rotation.
Reports say the Lions could face France for the first time in nearly 40 years ahead of the 2029 tour to New Zealand, with potential tours to France, the Americas and Japan under review as part of a “Beyond29” project. Historically, the Lions have alternated every four years between tours of New Zealand, South Africa and Australia—a pattern in place since Australia was added as a standalone tour in 1989.
Itoje, the Saracens forward who captained the Lions on the 2025 tour to Australia, told Sky Sports News he welcomes the idea of expanding where the Lions play. “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.
“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 also reiterated his backing for England head coach Steve Borthwick after a disappointing Six Nations campaign. England finished fifth, losing four successive matches including a first-ever international defeat to Italy. RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney has indicated Borthwick will be given the upcoming Nations Championship fixtures this summer to guide a recovery.
If England produce a satisfactory return against South Africa, Fiji and Argentina in July, Borthwick could remain in post through the expiry of his contract after the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia. Itoje acknowledged England underperformed but expressed faith in the coaching team—Richard Wigglesworth, Kevin Sinfield, Joe Shaw and Lee Blackett—and the players’ ability to regroup.
“We believe in what we’re doing,” Itoje said 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. 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.”
England’s Nations Championship fixtures
– Round One: July 4 – South Africa vs England
– Round Two: July 11 – Fiji vs England
– Round Three: July 18 – Argentina vs England
– Round Four: November 8 – England vs Australia
– Round Five: November 14 – England vs Japan
– Round Six: November 21 – England vs New Zealand