Lions Star Itoje Defends Tradition of Long-Haul Tours

The British and Irish Lions' recent tour of Australia has been a topic of discussion, with Maro Itoje, a key player on the team, weighing in on the future of the iconic rugby tour. Itoje, who was part of the 2017 and 2021 Lions tours, says that the long-haul travel to Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa must remain a feature of the Lions' expeditions.

Despite growing support for rugby-loving France to be added to the Lions' list of destinations, Itoje believes that the strong sense of history and tradition associated with the current three-nation rotation should be preserved. He acknowledges that the Lions are "the last of the traditional organizations in the modern era" and that a short-haul flight would not feel the same.

The Lions' recent series-clinching victory over the Wallabies in Australia has been a highlight of Itoje's career, and he is eager to complete the tour with a win in the final Test in Sydney. The team's ability to overcome an 18-point deficit in the second Test has been hailed as one of the greatest games in the Lions' history, validating the entire 2025 expedition.

Itoje's comments come as the Lions continue to demonstrate their pulling power, with a record crowd for a Lions match in attendance at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The player insists that the institution, described as a "glorious anachronism," is here to stay and will continue to be the aspiration of every British and Irish rugby player.