British and Irish Lions in ‘advanced’ discussions over huge France clash but big sticking point revealed
British and Irish Lions chairman Ieuan Evans and France head coach Fabien Galthie.
The British and Irish Lions could be set to face France with talks at an ‘advanced’ stage between the two parties, according to a report.
Ahead of the women’s and men’s tours to New Zealand in 2027 and 2029 respectively, the Lions and their counterparts, the French Rugby Federation (FFR), are looking at potentially staging a couple of one-off Tests before they head to the southern hemisphere.
It would be akin to the Lions’ encounter with Argentina later this year which takes place in Dublin on June 20, eight days prior to their first game of the 2025 tour in Perth against Western Force on June 28.
According to the Telegraph, it is being seen as a ‘viable’ option after discussions between the respective governing bodies ‘accelerated’ over recent weeks.
‘Very interested’
“The Lions are very interested but it relies on a frank and open conversation with the LNR,” an FFR source told the outlet.
They have met once before, although it came in a non-capped friendly in 1989 in which the Lions edged to a narrow 29-27 triumph.
Should talks continue to move in a positive direction, the main issue, particularly for the men’s match, will invariably come around player availability, given that the contest is likely to take place in mid to late June.
That means the encounter will be hosted outside of World Rugby’s international window in July, while it could also clash with the French domestic final. This year, the Top 14 showpiece event goes ahead on the same day the Lions play the Force in their tour opener.
Organisers may therefore have to either convince the FFR to release their top players for the Test or come to an arrangement whereby those involved in the Top 14 final will not be selected.
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Understrength France to face All Blacks
France tend to use the mid-year internationals as a development tool and rest their main stars, like they will do when Les Bleus face the All Blacks in July this year.
None of those who feature in the Top 14 final on June 28 are expected to be included in the squad to face Scott Robertson’s men, while other key individuals could also stay at home irrespective of how far their clubs get in the league play-offs.
It has long been suggested that the Lions should consider facing France, not just as a one-off game but as part of a three-Test tour. However, there are no plans currently to interrupt the schedule which sees the famous invitational side face Australia, New Zealand and South Africa on rotation every four years.
This could feasibly be a step towards that, though, should the Lions and FFR confirm these one-off Tests.