Veteran Writer Advocates for Lions to Skip 2029 NZ Tour

In a bold assertion, veteran British rugby writer Stephen Jones has argued that the British and Irish Lions should reconsider their planned tour of New Zealand in 2029. Writing in The Sunday Times following the conclusion of the Lions’ current tour in Australia, Jones suggested a shift in the traditional quadrennial touring schedule that has long defined the Lions’ history.

Jones proposed that instead of visiting New Zealand, the Lions would benefit from touring France, potentially incorporating a match in Italy. He believes this approach would allow the Lions to re-establish their presence and engage with a broader European audience before returning to New Zealand in 2033 and later touring the Americas in 2037.

The Lions have a long-standing tradition of touring every four years, often facing some of the most formidable rugby teams in the world. According to Jones, this historic approach needs reevaluation, particularly in light of the Lions’ upcoming schedule, which includes a tour of South Africa in 2033 and Australia in 2037.

Jones’s perspective highlights a growing sentiment among rugby enthusiasts that the Lions should adapt their touring strategy to remain relevant in the evolving landscape of international rugby. By focusing on Europe, they could potentially attract new fans and rekindle interest in the sport across different regions.

The idea of altering the Lions’ itinerary has sparked discussions among rugby commentators and fans alike. Some agree with Jones, arguing that a tour of France would provide a fresh and exciting challenge, while others defend the significance of the New Zealand tour, which has always been seen as a prestigious and challenging destination for the Lions.

As the Lions prepare for their next matches, the conversation around their future tours continues to evolve. Whether they will heed Jones’s advice remains to be seen, but his proposal adds an intriguing layer to the ongoing discourse surrounding one of rugby’s most celebrated teams.