British and Irish Lions

British and Irish Lions set to play France in first meeting for nearly 40 years

France have been touted to host a warm-up game against the British and Irish Lions ahead of their New Zealand tour, according to the latest reports.

by
Will Judd
13 January 2026

France have been touted to host a warm-up game against the British and Irish Lions ahead of their New Zealand tour, according to the latest reports.

The Lions will head to New Zealand in 2029 for what promises to be an enthralling tour; however, a brand-new pre-tour opponent closer to home could also be on the cards.

The last tour in New Zealand was in 2017, where captain Sam Warburton‘s side fought to a one-apiece series draw, thanks to the final game ending 18 all.

Initially, it was announced that ahead of the 2029 tour, potential warm-up games could take place in the USA, with the idea of the tests being a real opportunity for the further promotion of the game, as the 2031 World Cup is set to be held in America.

For exclusive stories and all the detailed rugby news you need, subscribe to The Rugby Paper website, digital edition, or newspaper from as little as 14p a day.

Warm-up match

But it has been rumoured that these may not be the only warm-ups for the Lions.

A clash with France has long been mooted, and it seems like a no-brainer; the teams are neighbours after all, and it would surely generate fan hype to see so many Six Nations legends go against each other.

Based on reports coming out of France, it is suggested that the Lions may have an opening warm-up match against Les Bleus before jetting off for the rest of the tour.

It is said the game will take place in France, but a specific venue or date has yet to be confirmed.

The two teams have only ever met once, in 1989. Held at the Parc des Princes, the game was a part of the bicentennial celebration of the French Revolution.

The game did not end in blue celebration, however, as the Lions, whose team featured none other than The Rugby Paper columnist Jeremy Guscott, beat the French 29-27 largely thanks to Scotland legend Gavin Hastings’ brace of tries and four penalties.

Undoubtedly, if the game is to be confirmed, fans could get excited for an almighty clash which would see cross-channel legends, familiar or new, battle it out like never before.