The British & Irish Lions could play at Twickenham for the first time in their history as plans for the 2029 tour of New Zealand begin to take shape.
The British & Irish Lions are in talks to face Italy before flying to New Zealand.
The proposed match is set for June 23, 2029, with Allianz Stadium, Twickenham in line to host.
If it goes ahead, it would be the Lions' first-ever match at the home of English rugby.
It would also be their first meeting with Italy.
The Times reports that talks are underway as part of the Italian Rugby Federation's centenary celebrations.
A Twickenham fixture would also continue a trend from recent Lions tours.
In 2025, Andy Farrell's side faced Argentina in Dublin before heading to Australia.
The Lions also faced Japan at Murrayfield in 2021 before their tour of South Africa.
England is now the only Home Nation yet to host one of those pre-tour matches.
France clash also planned
Italy might not be the Lions' only European opponent in 2029.
France are also expected to face the tourists before they head to New Zealand.
French outlet Midi Olympique first reported plans for the historic fixture.
The Telegraph later reported that the game is planned for June 30, 2029, one week after the proposed Italy clash.
That match is expected to take place in France.
It would be only the second time the Lions have faced France.
An unofficial Lions XV won 29-27 in Paris in 1989, with the game staged to mark 200 years since the French Revolution.
Sky Sports has also reported on the possibility of more regular meetings between France and the Lions.
New Zealand awaits
The main event will still be a three-Test series against the All Blacks.
It will be the Lions' first trip to New Zealand since that incredible drawn series in 2017.
The All Blacks won the opening Test 30-15 at Eden Park.
Warren Gatland's side then hit back with a famous 24-21 win in Wellington.
The decider ended 15-15 in Auckland, leaving the series tied at 1-1.
The 2029 tour could be shorter than previous trips.
New Zealand Rugby chief executive Steve Lancaster has confirmed talks are taking place over the shape of the schedule.
The Times reports that the New Zealand leg could feature just eight matches.
That would see the Lions face the country's five Super Rugby sides before the three Tests against the All Blacks.
British & Irish Lions proposed 2029 fixtures
The full schedule is still to be confirmed, but this is how the tour is currently taking shape:
- June 23 – Italy – UK, potentially Allianz Stadium, Twickenham
- June 30 – France – France
- TBC – Blues – New Zealand
- TBC – Chiefs – New Zealand
- TBC – Crusaders – New Zealand
- TBC – Highlanders – New Zealand
- TBC – Hurricanes – New Zealand
- TBC – New Zealand – First Test
- TBC – New Zealand – Second Test
- TBC – New Zealand – Third Test
Nothing has been signed off yet, but the 2029 tour is starting to take shape.
And if the Italy talks are completed, the Lions could begin their journey to New Zealand with a historic first appearance at Twickenham.
