A 95-cap England international believes ‘innovative’ idea would be ‘fantastic’ for the British and Irish Lions tour

The British and Irish Lions are one of the traditional events that have remained in rugby as the sport has aimed to evolve in recent years, yet former England international Joe Marler believes it may be time for a change with this tour.

Andy Farrell led the Lions to their first series victory since 2013, when they beat Australia, and now, they will head to New Zealand in 2029, aiming to secure a tour win against the All Blacks for only the second time ever.

The Lions have only ever toured four nations in their history, with South Africa, New Zealand, and Australia becoming regular opponents; however, many fans and pundits have started to ask the question of whether the tourists could face other nations in alternative destinations.

Henry Pollock of the British & Irish Lions is held by Joaquin Moro uring the 1888 Cup international match between British & Irish Lions and Argentina (Getty Images)

Argentina’s victory against Farrell’s side last summer in Dublin, ahead of the tour to Australia, reignited this conversation, with supporters asking the question if they could tour France or the South American nation that started this debate.

Joe Marler was selected as part of the Lions squad to tour New Zealand in 2017, but the 95-cap international believes it would be fantastic for the tourists to play Les Bleus or Los Pumas in a Test series.

He said: “I would absolutely love the Lions to tour France or Argentina and do a series. And do the midweekers against the clubs out there. It would just be so good.

“I understand to a degree all the traditionalists that are like, 'No, it has only been these nations.'

“The traditionalists would say let's just stick to what's always been. That's not good, is it? But the world changes. Go for different opportunities.

“Additionally, rugby consistently communicates to the world and to itself that it is facing financial challenges. So, start coming up with innovations and different tours and different things to bring in new audiences. Or to inspire the current audience that you've got.

“I'd love to see it. The Lions versus France. Amazing.

Louis Bielle-Biarrey of France scores his team's first try during the Guinness Six Nations 2026 match between France and Italy

“The floods of British and Irish Lions fans just going out there. It would just be fantastic. Cheaper as well. A lot easier for them to get there than it is all the other countries.”

Now, Argentina has already hosted the British and Irish Lions on three occasions (1910, 1927, and 1936); however, they have squared off against them in eight Tests, with their win in Dublin last year being their first ever victory.

The Lions have never toured France, with the pair only squaring off against each other once in their history, in 1989, to celebrate the Bicentennial of the French Revolution, with Les Bleus emerging victorious in this Test.

Now there have been growing calls for the Lions to tour France due to the strength of the clubs in the Top 14, the quality of Les Bleus, and the vast culture that can be experienced within the different regions of the European nation.

If there were to be a change to the Lions tour by heading to France or Argentina, the earliest this could happen would be 2033, when they would be expected to travel to South Africa to face the Springboks.

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