Since 1888, the British and Irish Lions have journeyed across the globe, clashing with the Southern Hemisphere’s finest. They’ve faced off in legendary series in New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa—but somehow, inexplicably, they’ve never toured France. It’s time to fix that.
2029 (or later) is the perfect moment to write a new chapter in rugby history. Here are ten compelling reasons why the Lions must tour France:
1. It’s Long Overdue
France has been a cornerstone of northern hemisphere rugby for over a century. A founding member of the Five Nations, France has produced World Cup finalists, grand slam winners, and generational talent. That they’ve never hosted the Lions feels like a gap in the sport’s soul.
2. They’re a Tier 1 Giant
The Lions have always been about the best of Britain and Ireland challenging the best of the rest. France, with their blend of brute force and artistry, fits that bill perfectly. They’re not a developing rugby nation. They’re a powerhouse. So why the cold shoulder?
3. The Antoine Dupont Generation
By 2029, Dupont may still be dazzling us, or he may have passed the baton to the next superstar. Either way, this golden generation of French players—built around Dupont, Ntamack, Ramos, and others—deserves the kind of pressure and spotlight only a Lions series can provide.
4. Unbeatable Atmosphere
French fans are famously loud, proud, and passionate. The atmosphere in places like Marseille, Toulouse, and Paris during a Test match is electric. Now add 30,000 travelling Lions fans singing their hearts out. That’s box-office rugby.
5. A Commercial Masterstroke
Let’s talk business. France just delivered a spectacular Rugby World Cup. The infrastructure is top-tier, the audiences massive, and the corporate interest enormous. A Lions tour in France would smash commercial records for northern hemisphere rugby.
6. Europe’s Rugby Heartland
From club rugby to internationals, France lives and breathes the game. Toulouse, Clermont, La Rochelle, Racing 92—these aren’t just clubs. They’re spiritual homes. A Lions tour could include midweek clashes with Top 14 heavyweights, providing proper tests of squad depth.
7. Short-Haul, Big Gains
Logistically, it’s a dream. Travel is cheaper, easier, and quicker for the majority of Lions supporters. That’s more fans in seats, more singing in the streets, and more red in the stands. A Lions tour to France would feel like a rolling European festival.
8. Six Nations Rivalry on Steroids
The Lions are made up of France’s oldest rugby rivals. The Six Nations rivalry is the heartbeat of European rugby. A Lions series would transform that historic tension into a best-of-three battle for continental supremacy.
9. Showcase for European Rugby’s Rise
The traditional narrative has been Lions vs Southern Hemisphere giants. But times have changed. European clubs dominate global rugby conversations. A Lions tour to France would reflect this new balance of power—and challenge the old order.
10. Fresh Energy for a Storied Brand
After more than a century of Southern Hemisphere focus, a France tour would inject something fresh, unpredictable, and exciting into the Lions brand. It would be a bold, smart step forward. The Lions can evolve—and still honour tradition.
The Time Is Now
A British and Irish Lions tour to France in 2029 would be more than a novelty—it would be a celebration. Of history, of rivalry, of rugby’s growth and evolution. It’s a move that makes sense on every level: sporting, commercial, cultural, and emotional.
So let’s make it happen. Let’s roar in France.
