British & Irish Lions set sights on touring three new countries
Rugby NewsThursday, 23 April 2026 at 09:56
The British and Irish Lions are weighing up a major shift in their iconic touring model, with new destinations such as France, the Americas, and Japan under serious consideration.
According to reports from
The Telegraph, the Lions are exploring options beyond their traditional rotation of Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa — a system that has remained unchanged since 1989, when Australia was first included as a standalone tour destination.
Join RUCK’s Instagram broadcast channel and get the latest rugby news straight to your phone.
Breaking Away from Tradition?
For nearly four decades, the Lions have toured the three SANZAAR nations on a strict four-year cycle. However, only three times in history has a different country hosted a full Lions tour — Argentina in 1910, 1927, and 1936. While one-off matches have been played against nations like France and Fiji, a full departure from the established rotation would mark a significant evolution.
New Zealand is already confirmed to host the 2029 tour, but beyond that, the future looks far less certain.
The “Beyond29” Project
The Lions have launched what they are calling the “Beyond29” project, signaling a strategic review of their long-term touring structure. A formal “request for proposal” has been sent to consultancy firms, asking for fresh ideas on how the team should operate after 2029.
⭐ Save us to your Google Favourites for nonstop RUCK content!
Internal documents reveal the Lions are seeking expert input to:
- Develop and validate a new operating model
- Explore expansion into new global markets
- Increase commercial value and audience reach
There is also an acknowledgment that the current model may be nearing its financial ceiling, with the organisation keen to unlock new growth opportunities.
Key Areas Under Review
Consultants have been asked to provide recommendations across four critical areas:
- Geography – Potential new host nations and regions
- Host selection process – How future tours are allocated
- Timing – Whether the current four-year cycle should change
- Match scheduling – Structure and format of fixtures
Rugby Fans Vote for the Greatest British & Irish Lions XV of All Time
Over 207,000 votes were counted following a public poll based on a shortlist curated by a panel of rugby experts. Here's the fan-selected all-time Lions team by position, including percentage of the vote and key highlights from each player's legendary career.
? Fullback: JPR Williams (Wales) – 72%
Runner-up: Gavin Hastings (Scotland) – 10%
Also in contention: Jason Robinson (England) – 10%
Also in contention: Jason Robinson (England) – 10%
JPR Williams was instrumental in the 1971 and 1974 tours, boasting a remarkable record of five Test wins, two draws, and just one loss. His fearless playing style and consistency at the back earned him legendary status.
? Winger: Gerald Davies (Wales) – 21%
Runner-up: JJ Williams (Wales) – 19%
Part of the iconic Welsh contingent of the 1968 and 1971 Lions squads, Davies later returned to serve as tour manager in 2009. A pacey and intelligent winger who was vital during the Lions' successful tours.
? Winger: Jason Robinson (England) – 22%
Runner-up: Tony O'Reilly (Ireland) – 9%
Known for his dazzling footwork and explosive speed, Robinson made an immediate impact during the 2001 tour to Australia, scoring a stunning solo try in the first Test against the Wallabies.
?️ Outside Centre: Brian O’Driscoll (Ireland) – 43%
Runner-up: Will Greenwood (England) – 4%
Arguably Ireland’s greatest-ever player, O'Driscoll toured four times (2001–2013) and captained the Lions in 2005. His attacking flair was pivotal in the 2001 series win in Australia.
?️ Inside Centre: Jeremy Guscott (England) – 20%
Runner-up: Mike Gibson (Ireland) – 15%
Dubbed "The Prince of Centres," Guscott's crowning moment came in 1997 when he kicked the series-winning drop goal against South Africa in the second Test.
? Fly-half: Barry John (Wales) – 51%
Runner-up: Phil Bennett (Wales) – 21%
Known simply as "The King," Barry John delivered a masterclass in the 1971 tour to New Zealand, scoring 30 of the Lions’ 48 points in the series win over the All Blacks.
? Scrum-half: Gareth Edwards (Wales) – 85%
Runner-up: Matt Dawson (England) – 9%
A driving force behind the only Lions series win in New Zealand in 1971, Edwards’ relentless work rate helped power the Lions to glory again in 1974.
? Loosehead Prop: Jason Leonard (England) – 21%
Runner-up: Gethin Jenkins (Wales) – 6%
The “Fun Bus” went on three Lions tours and brought immense experience and versatility to the front row.
? Hooker: Keith Wood (Ireland) – 51%
Runner-up: Brian Moore (England) – 16%
“Woody” was a standout performer on the 1997 tour to South Africa, winning Man of the Match in the second Test. He also became the first-ever IRB World Player of the Year.
? Tighthead Prop: Fran Cotton (England) – 24%
Runner-up: Graham Price (Wales) – 7%
Cotton dominated scrums during the 1977 New Zealand tour and was also part of the famous 1974 Lions team in South Africa.
? Lock: Martin Johnson (England) – 40
Runner-up: Paul O'Connell (Ireland) – 9%
A commanding leader, Johnson captained the Lions in 1997 and 2001 and remains one of the most respected forwards in rugby history.
? Lock: Willie John McBride (Ireland) – 43%
Runner-up: Alun Wyn Jones (Wales) – 3%
With 17 Test appearances across five tours, McBride was a colossus of Lions rugby. He captained the undefeated 1974 team and is often cited as the greatest lock ever produced by the British Isles.
? Blindside Flanker: Richard Hill (England) – 29%
Runner-up: Finlay Calder (Scotland) – 8%
A key figure in the 1997 and 2001 tours, Hill's reliability and decision-making at the breakdown were vital to the Lions' success.
? Openside Flanker: Sam Warburton (Wales) – 23%
Runner-up: Fergus Slattery (Ireland) – 18%
Warburton captained the Lions in both 2013 and 2017, leading them to a historic drawn series against the All Blacks. His leadership and breakdown dominance made him an obvious pick.
? Number 8: Mervyn Davies (Wales) – 43%
Runner-up: Lawrence Dallaglio (England) – 23%
“Merv the Swerve” stood out with his white headband and controlled performances. He was a key cog in the victorious 1971 and 1974 Lions sides.
TRENDING
LATEST NEWS
LATEST COMMENTS
Loading