France plans regular matches with British and Irish Lions

• France plans regular matches with the British and Irish Lions.
• The growing interest in rugby in France and the potential for supporting the team.
• The Lions have a chance for a historic achievement in the series against Australia.

Test Match: Australia vs. British and Irish Lions

Venue: Accor Stadium, Sydney Date: Saturday, September 2 Start: 11:00 BST

The French rugby federation aims to "revive the long-standing" relationship with the British and Irish Lions, adding to the scheduled matches in preparation for the women's tour in 2027 and the men's tour to New Zealand in 2029.

The strength of club rugby in France and the opportunity for fans of the Lions to support the team with relatively low ticket prices has increased the demand for including matches in the Lions' schedule. Vice-president of the FFR Abdelatif Benazzi mentioned that this is just the beginning of discussions about future matches.

Benazzi and the director of international relations of the FFR, Nikolay Ourke, met with representatives of the Lions in Dublin last month before the match against Argentina. General director of the Lions Ben Calveley confirmed that they support the idea of the tour in France.

During the upcoming tour in Australia, representatives of the Lions are expected to invite Australians to release more well-known international players for matches, as there is a concern about their competitiveness. The Lions have already surpassed Australian teams with an average margin of 27.5 points, solidifying their dominance in the series after two test matches.

Benazzi emphasized that France has no intention of disrupting the usual rotation of Lions tours, which alternate between Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa every four years. He hopes that the new global calendar, starting next year, will create new opportunities.

Interest in rugby in the country is growing, and if France plays against the Lions, it will be the first time since 1989, when the match was organized in honor of the 200th anniversary of the French Revolution.

The Lions have a chance to secure a historic achievement, having previously defeated Australia 3-0. The last time the Lions triumphed was in 1927 in Argentina.

Tags: Europe/Sport