Lions Face Controversy Over Proposed 2029 Tour to New Zealand

Veteran British rugby writer Stephen Jones has raised concerns regarding the British and Irish Lions’ scheduled tour to New Zealand in 2029. In his recent column for The Sunday Times, Jones proposed a shift in the historic quadrennial touring pattern, suggesting that the Lions would benefit more from a tour of France, potentially with a match in Italy, instead of heading to New Zealand.

Jones argued that the Lions could return to New Zealand in 2033 and then tour the Americas in 2037. He noted that the Lions are already set to play in South Africa in 2033 and then in Australia in 2037. His comments come on the heels of the Lions’ current tour in Australia, which he believes has highlighted the need for a re-evaluation of touring strategies.

In his column, Jones emphasized that Lions tours have historically provided significant financial support to the host unions of Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, helping them avoid financial instability. He questioned why the Lions could not make independent decisions regarding their own tour schedules, instead of adhering to traditional routes.

Describing France as “the modern-day capital of the rugby world,” Jones suggested that any major European Cup competitions could be postponed during Lions years to facilitate the tour. He envisions a potential North American tour that could include matches in Argentina and locations in North America, expanding the Lions’ global reach.

Since their inception in 1888, the Lions have only managed to win a single Test series against New Zealand, which occurred in 1971. The most recent series in 2017 ended in a tie, underscoring the challenges the Lions face when competing against the formidable All Blacks.

As the discussion around the 2029 tour unfolds, Jones’ proposals could lead to a significant shift in how the British and Irish Lions plan their future tours, reflecting evolving dynamics in international rugby. The outcome of these discussions will undoubtedly impact the landscape of rugby tours in the coming decades.