Maro Itoje says long-haul travel must remain a feature of British and Irish Lions tours amid proposals to expand the list of destinations.
The Lions currently visit Australia, New Zealand and South Africa in succession, but there is growing interest from rugby fans in France who want to join them because of the strength of their national team and club level, as well as the commercial opportunities.
But three days after Andy Farrell's side secured a crucial win over the Wallabies with the final Test match due to be played in Sydney on Saturday, Itoje said he preferred to preserve the Lions' legacy.
“I thought about this at the beginning of the tour. My answer is that the three countries that the Lions visit are rich in history and tradition,” Itoje said.
The Lions may be the last of the traditional organizations of the modern era. Deep down, I hope they continue to alternate between the three countries as they do now. But there needs to be a certain openness.
“The three countries they are visiting so far are very good. Besides, it would be a completely different experience if we were on a short flight. Long flights are necessary.”
The Lions' journey across Australia was something of a procession until they arrived in Melbourne, where they were first pushed to the brink by the First Nation and Pasifika XV, and then by the Wallabies.
The 29-26 victory in the second Test match, achieved by coming from 18 runs down, will go down as one of the greatest games in their history and will be a vindication of the entire 2025 expedition.
Moreover, the record crowd for the Lions' match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground was testament to their appeal, with Itoje stressing that an institution that manager Ieuan Evans called a “magnificent anachronism” is here to stay.
“This is without a doubt one of the highlights of my career,” said Itoje, who also competed on the 2017 and 2021 tours.
“When I am old and grey, these events and these tours will be one of those experiences that I will remember with particular fondness.
“It's every British and Irish rugby player's dream. I'd be surprised if I found
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
