Maro Itoje, captain of the British & Irish Lions, has dismissed suggestions that the touring schedule should be expanded to include France, arguing that the tradition of visiting the southern hemisphere is integral to the Lions’ identity. Speaking after his side secured an unbeatable 2-0 series lead against the Wallabies, Itoje emphasised that a short-haul flight to France would fundamentally alter the tour’s character.
“It wouldn’t feel the same if we took a short-haul flight,” Itoje said. “It needs a long‑haul flight.” The England captain believes the current rotation among Australia, New Zealand and South Africa should be preserved, despite growing support in high places for a potential tour to France. Itoje described the Lions as “a great event” that adds spice to the Six Nations and should continue unchanged.
The 30-year-old also revealed a congratulatory message from UK foreign secretary David Lammy after the series win in Melbourne. When asked if Lammy had encouraged him to enter politics, Itoje laughed: “No, no … he has some world issues to try and sort out before that.”
Looking ahead to the final Test in Sydney, Itoje dismissed any suggestion of resting players. “Winning a Lions Test series is extremely special, but what would be an absolute dream would be to win the third game,” he said. “We want to chase down the performance we’ve been searching for.”
Itoje also reflected on the camaraderie built during the tour, mentioning new bonds with players such as Ireland’s Jamie Osborne, whom he now calls “Showbiz”, and Wales’ Jac Morgan. “It has been said before but, in many ways, it shouldn’t really work,” he said of the multinational squad. “You have four different nations, four different ideologies … but it does.”
