The British & Irish Lions are set to break new ground in 2029 — with a potential stop in the United States on the cards as part of their tour to New Zealand.
In a major move to help grow the game stateside ahead of the 2031 Rugby World Cup, the Lions are reportedly planning an exhibition clash in the U.S. — likely against the USA Eagles or an invitation XV in Las Vegas.
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🏟️ TWICKENHAM GETS THE NOD
Before crossing the Atlantic, the tour will kick off with a home fixture — and all signs point to Twickenham.
Why? It’s only fair.
The last three Lions home games have been shared evenly around the Home Nations:
- 🏟️ Aviva Stadium, Dublin (2025)
- 🏟️ Murrayfield, Edinburgh (2021)
- 🏟️ Principality Stadium, Cardiff (2005)
That leaves the Home of Rugby next in line — with Argentina or Fiji tipped as likely opponents under the lights in London.
🦁 THE ROAD TO NEW ZEALAND
Once the US match is done, the Lions will head down under for a brutal warm-up schedule, facing off against all five Super Rugby franchises:
- Blues
- Chiefs
- Crusaders
- Highlanders
- Hurricanes
They’ll also go toe-to-toe with the Māori All Blacks in one of the most passionate matchups of the tour.
Following the first Test against the All Blacks, a midweek clash with the New Zealand Barbarians is also on the cards — perfect for rotating the squad and keeping the intensity sky-high before the final two Tests.
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📅 LIKELY 2029 LIONS FIXTURES
“Undroppable” – Five Lions Who’ve Emerged as Genuine Test Contenders
The British & Irish Lions secured another midweek victory as debutant Jamie Osborne crossed for two tries in a dominant performance against the First Nations & Pasifika XV at Marvel Stadium on Tuesday.
Here’s a look at who might have pushed themselves into contention for the Test 23.
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🧠 The General Returns – Owen Farrell
Position: Inside Centre / Fly-Half
Tours: 4th Lions Tour 🇬🇧🦁
Verdict:
Back in the saddle and straight into command. Starting his first game of the tour, Farrell led the midweek Lions from 12 with trademark authority. His dink over the top set up Jamie Osborne’s second try, and his composure cemented his value as a squad leader. Farrell’s ability to cover 10 and 12 puts real pressure on Marcus Smith for the playmaker bench spot.
Planet Rugby 8/10: “The best of the Lions today as he vindicated the coaches’ decision to call him up. He pitched in with two try assists and caused all kinds of havoc for the First Nations and Pasifika XV defence. His first assist was a sharp spot of the lack of backfield cover as he put in a pinpoint chip over the top, with his weaker foot, to make the most of it. His show and go in the second half paid dividends for Van der Merwe. Skippering the Lions for the first time, Farrell rose to the occasion and may well still have something to say in the Test series.”
FloRugby 8.5/10: “Directed traffic with assurance and supported Fin Smith well. His kick for Osborne’s try was world-class—executed off his weaker foot. Read the defence smartly, exploiting gaps with grubbers and short balls. His disguised pass to van der Merwe created a vital score. Led with intelligence, and this composed, tactical showing bolsters his case as a steadying force in the backline.”
📝 Still the most natural field marshal in the squad.
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