A potential British & Irish Lions tour of France has taken a giant step closer to reality, with talks on a “new business model” set to take place next week in Melbourne ahead of the second Test against Australia.
Bye-Bye Long-Haul?
For fans sick of jet lag and sky-high ticket prices in Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, France is emerging as the next big (and far more wallet-friendly) alternative. According to The Guardian, the Lions are reportedly very open to exploring the ooh-la-lapossibilities with their cross-Channel cousins.
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Benazzi’s French Kiss to the Lions
Enter stage left: Abdel Benazzi – former Les Bleus legend and now vice-president of the French federation (FFR). He’s already been doing the diplomatic rounds, having had “friendly” chats with Lions brass in Dublin before their warm-up match against Argentina. Now, he’s hopping on a flight to Oz to turn up the heat on France’s bid to host the Lions once again – a rematch 40 years in the making since their 1989 encounter.
Benazzi’s pitch? It’s not just one match, but possibly two tours – men and women – in 2027 and 2029, both scheduled ahead of the Lions’ New Zealand expeditions.
Bonjour Bordeaux, Salut Toulouse
While the current Australia tour has been about as one-sided as a baguette in a boxing match, France is rolling out the red carpet with Top 14 titans like Toulouse and Bordeaux offering competitive warm-up opposition. It’s a mouthwatering alternative – a proper build-up to what could be a Lions vs Les Bleus blockbuster series.
Former Lions scrum-half Mike Phillips is already all-in, calling a France tour a “gamechanger”.
Six Nations Prez Eyes Lions Love-In
Benazzi isn’t stopping at friendly chats. As president of the Six Nations and a narrowly-defeated candidate for World Rugby chair last year, he’s pushing to make France a regular fixture on the Lions’ dance card.
He laid it out clearly:
“If you look at the legacy and the reputation of the Lions, of course they have the tradition with the south, our position as a neighbour is that we can do something together in the future.”
“We had contact, not formally, just a friendly chat with the guys from the Lions and they started thinking maybe it would be a good idea. We don’t have a formal decision now but maybe we will talk about having two meetings with the [women] and the Lions and the men and the Lions in the future. Maybe in 2027 and 2029. We don’t think of just one shot, we think of a programme for the future. It’s good for everyone because it’s powerful and we want to share it with this institution.”
“It’s Good for Everyone” – Vive le Rugby!
Benazzi’s ambitions are big – and he’s thinking long-term:
“I want to spend a bit of time with the staff and just think about how we can build a new business model with this institution between France and the Lions. For me and for France, we want to build something interesting for both. How we can build something bigger for rugby, for everyone around the world with this meeting and secondly, how we can build some business between the two institutions, the Lions and France, and everyone will be happy with that.”
EDITORS PICKS:
Updated 2027 Rugby World Cup draw, England get easy group
he tournament’s structure and timing now better reflect current global rankings, thanks to a late pool draw in December this year made possible by reforms in 2022.
Here’s a breakdown of the predicted groups and team bios for the RWC 2027:
🏆 Group A
South Africa 🇿🇦
The reigning world champions and four-time RWC winners, the Springboks bring a powerhouse blend of physicality, tactical brilliance, and iconic leadership.
Argentina 🇦🇷
Los Pumas continue to rise as a Tier 1 nation, combining flair and fearlessness. Semifinalists in 2007 and 2015, they’re known for big-game upsets.
Samoa 🇼🇸
With deep roots in rugby tradition, Samoa’s raw physicality and natural flair make them one of the most dangerous Tier 2 teams in the game.
Tonga 🇹🇴
The ‘Ikale Tahi’ bring bone-crunching tackles and island pride. With several stars playing abroad, Tonga is always capable of springing a surprise.
🌍 Group B
New Zealand 🇳🇿
The legendary All Blacks need no introduction—three-time world champions with a relentless pursuit of perfection and a legacy of innovation.
Scotland 🏴
A Six Nations stalwart, Scotland blends tactical kicking and dynamic playmakers, looking to go beyond the quarterfinals for the first time since 1991.
Japan 🇯🇵
The Brave Blossoms became global darlings in 2019 with a stunning quarterfinal run. Expect lightning-quick rucks and passionate homegrown talent.
Chile 🇨🇱
One of the emerging forces from South America, Chile made its first RWC appearance in 2023. Physical, proud, and improving fast.
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