The British & Irish Lions are in discussions to stage a match against Italy in the United Kingdom in June 2029, preceding their scheduled tour of New Zealand. The proposed fixture, intended to mark the Italian Rugby Federation’s centenary celebrations, is expected to take place on June 23. Following this, the Lions could face France the next weekend, on June 30, before departing for New Zealand where they plan to contest eight matches.

This potential encounter with Italy would replicate the structure seen ahead of the 2025 tour, when the Lions played Argentina at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium eight days before their first Australian match against the Western Force. Similarly, in 2021, the Lions met Japan at Murrayfield prior to their southern hemisphere tour, continuing a tradition of playing a home fixture before overseas tours. Historically, the Lions have confronted sides such as the Maori All Blacks during previous tours in 2005 and 1993, and a Provincial Barbarians team in 2017.

At present, scheduling remains fluid with a number of proposals under consideration. One option could involve a curtain-raiser match in Las Vegas en route to New Zealand. Limiting the New Zealand tour to eight matches may mean the Lions face the five Super Rugby franchises—the Blues, Chiefs, Crusaders, Highlanders, and Hurricanes—alongside the customary three-Test series against the New Zealand national team, the All Blacks.

In addition to planning for the Lions’ itinerary, there remains optimism within rugby leadership about launching a 16-team Club World Cup in 2029. Should this tournament be established, its final would likely be scheduled for either June 23 or June 30, with the earlier date being more favorable for the Lions’ preparatory schedule.

While key details including opponents and venues await final confirmation, these ongoing discussions reflect an effort to balance traditional tour structures with new competitive opportunities in international rugby’s evolving calendar.