France Seek Regular Games with British & Irish Lions Touring Team

France Eyes Lions Tour Amidst Rugby Resurgence

With French rugby at a generational high, discussions are brewing about a potential British & Irish Lions tour to France, a scenario that excites officials and fans alike.

The question of France hosting a British & Irish Lions tour is gaining traction, a prospect that could significantly boost the sport’s profile. While traditionally alternating between Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, the evolving global rugby landscape presents new opportunities.

A stark reminder of the Lions’ touring challenges came during their recent visit to Australia. Officials reportedly urged the Wallabies to release more of their top international talent for the tour matches, highlighting concerns over the competitive balance. The Lions ultimately secured a series win, but the margin of victory against Australia’s Super Rugby teams, averaging 27.5 points, underscored a potential disparity in preparation and player availability.

fabien Benazzi, a key figure in these discussions, has clarified that France has no intention of disrupting the established Lions tour rotation.instead, he sees the upcoming global calendar, which includes the inaugural biennial Nations Cup next year, as a potential pathway to creating new engagements.

“Of course, we don’t touch the legacy in the south – you keep that,” Benazzi stated, emphasizing respect for the customary Southern Hemisphere tours. “We have a lot of projects. We want to see what to expect with the united States – maybe we have a possibility to play there – maybe in Paris or London.We are just thinking about ideas.”

The potential for a Lions tour to France is particularly enticing given the current strength of French rugby. The national team is enjoying a purple patch,having clinched this year’s Six Nations title. This success is mirrored at the club level,where French teams have dominated European competition,with Toulouse,Bordeaux-begles,and La Rochelle claiming the last five Champions Cup titles. Add to this the formidable presence of other top clubs like Toulon, Racing 92, and Clermont Auvergne, known for their star-studded, multi-national squads and passionate fan bases, and the stage is set for a truly memorable event.

“If you have a link between two institutions than it’s easier to project what we want to do – a warm-up before the tour, a special game maybe every four years as well, in our own countries or outside for development of the game,” Benazzi added, outlining the collaborative spirit needed to bring such ambitious ideas to fruition.

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What are the primary financial incentives for the French Rugby Federation (FFR) in seeking more regular fixtures with the British & Irish lions?

The push for Consistent Fixtures

France is actively pursuing a more consistent fixture schedule with the British & Irish Lions, moving beyond the infrequent, yet highly anticipated, tours. This ambition stems from a desire to test Les bleus against the unique challenge the Lions present and to elevate the profile of French rugby on the international stage. Currently, Lions tours to South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand take precedence, with visits to France occurring far less often – the last being in 2009. The French Rugby Federation (FFR) believes regular matches, even outside of full-scale tours, would be mutually beneficial.

Why France Wants More Lions Rugby

Several key factors are driving France’s campaign for increased Lions involvement:

Competitive Edge: The British & irish Lions represent a distinct style of play, drawing on the best talent from four nations.Facing this composite team provides a unique test for France’s players and coaching staff,preparing them for the rigours of the Rugby World Cup and other major tournaments. This is a step up from typical Six Nations competition.

Financial Benefits: Lions tours are massive revenue generators. Hosting the Lions, even for a single match, brings significant economic benefits to the host nation through tourism, ticket sales, and broadcasting rights. Increased frequency translates to increased financial opportunities for the FFR.

Raising the Profile of French Rugby: The Lions are a globally recognized brand. Regular fixtures would increase the visibility of French rugby internationally, attracting new fans and sponsors. This aligns with France’s ambition to be a leading force in the sport.

Historical Precedent & Fan Demand: While infrequent, past Lions tours to France have been incredibly popular, drawing large crowds and generating significant media attention. There’s a clear appetite amongst French rugby fans for more encounters.

Potential Formats for Increased Fixtures

The FFR is exploring several options to achieve its goal of more regular Lions involvement:

1. Mid-Week Matches During Six Nations: Integrating Lions matches into the existing Six Nations schedule, possibly as mid-week fixtures, could provide a relatively straightforward solution. this would require cooperation from the Six Nations Rugby board and the four Home Unions.
2. Standalone Summer Tours: Short, focused tours to France, outside of the traditional four-year cycle, could be arranged.These tours could consist of one or two matches against the French national team.
3. Progress Squad Games: The Lions could field development or ‘A’ teams against French representative sides, providing valuable playing opportunities for emerging talent on both sides. This could foster a stronger relationship between the two nations at all levels.
4. Rotating Tour Schedule: A revised tour schedule that includes France on a more regular rotation, perhaps every eight years instead of the current longer intervals.

Challenges to Overcome

Securing regular fixtures with the British & Irish Lions isn’t without its challenges:

Tour Logistics: organizing Lions tours is a complex undertaking, requiring significant logistical planning and financial investment.Finding suitable dates and venues can be tough.

Home Unions’ Priorities: The four Home Unions (England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales) have their own priorities and may be reluctant to disrupt the existing tour schedule.

Player Welfare: Adding more fixtures to an already demanding calendar raises concerns about player welfare and the risk of burnout. Careful consideration must be given to player workload management.

Commercial Considerations: Broadcasting rights and sponsorship deals play a crucial role in the financial viability of lions tours. Negotiating these agreements can be complex.

Recent Developments & Key Stakeholders

Discussions between the FFR and the British & Irish Lions Board have been ongoing since 2023. Key figures involved include:

Bernard Laporte (Former FFR President): Initially a strong advocate for increased Lions involvement.

Gérald Martinez (Current FFR President): Continuing the dialog and exploring potential solutions.

Ben Ryan (British & Irish Lions Tour Manager): Leading the Lions’ side of the negotiations.

In February 2024, a joint working group was established to explore potential fixture formats and address the logistical and commercial challenges. The group is expected to present its findings to the respective boards by the end of 2025.

The Impact on French Players & Coaching

Regular exposure to the Lions’ style of play would undoubtedly benefit French players. The Lions’ emphasis on physicality, tactical flexibility, and relentless pressure would force Les Bleus to adapt and improve.

Improved Tactical Awareness: Facing a team comprised of the best players from multiple nations would require French coaches to develop more nuanced and adaptable game plans.

Enhanced Physical Conditioning: The Lions are renowned for their physical dominance. Regular encounters would push French players to reach new levels of fitness and strength.

Development of versatility: The Lions often utilize