British & Irish Lions chief executive Ben Calveley has insisted that future tours are not under threat from the breakaway R360 league, despite the Lions being ignored by the rebel competition's organisers. Speaking after the Lions sealed a first series win in 12 years, Calveley said talks with New Zealand over the 2029 tour are progressing well and that Andy Farrell has put himself in a strong position to continue as head coach.
R360, which plans to launch in September 2026, is intended to run from April to October with a pause for the July international window. Ten-match Lions tours require a larger international window every four years, which organisers have approval for under World Rugby regulations. Calveley said: “We haven’t had any formal discussions at all with R360 so I can’t comment in any detail on their proposition. What I can say is that players remain absolutely committed to the Lions. Our position in the future is secure.”
Farrell, who guided the Lions to their first series victory since 2013, all but confirmed his interest in resuming the role in four years. Calveley gave him a glowing endorsement, saying: “He has done a great job. When it comes to our appointments for future tours, we will start the process in about two years. He has put himself in a very strong position.”
Calveley also revealed that “home” fixtures, such as the warm-up match against Argentina in Dublin, will become a regular feature. He wants tour matches against nations like Fiji and Japan to replace some provincial fixtures after the Lions were rarely tested by Australia’s Super Rugby sides. Regarding the 2029 tour of New Zealand, he confirmed it will include nine matches plus another warm-up game, with France a leading candidate to provide opposition either in the UK or the US.
The final Test in Sydney was delayed by 38 minutes due to lightning, and television viewers briefly saw inside the Lions’ changing room before performance director David Nucifora covered the camera. Calveley defended the action, saying: “It’s a balance. There are certain things that you do have to protect. But at the same time, we want to be as open as we can.”
