Maro Itoje, who captained the Lions on their 2025 tour to Australia, said the squad could soon face France. The British & Irish Lions would play Les Bleus for the first time in nearly four decades, a move that would break the traditional New Zealand‑South Africa‑Australia rotation. The idea sits beside the Beyond29 project that explores new destinations.

The rotation has stood for 37 years, since 1989 when Australia joined the cycle. Adding a French leg would broaden the Lions’ global appeal and offer players exposure to a different rugby culture. Itoje stressed that the core values of the team must stay intact while the organization seeks fresh challenges for the upcoming decade, surely.

Beyond the tour debate, Itoje voiced confidence in England’s coach Steve Borthwick after a disappointing 2027 Six Nations finish. With the Nations Championship set for July, England faces South Africa, Fiji, and Argentina before a November series against Australia, Japan, and New Zealand. A strong showing could secure Borthwick’s contract beyond the 2027 World Cup, cementing a new era for English team's future.