The British & Irish Lions are gearing up for a thrilling encounter against France, marking only the second time these two storied teams will clash in their history, with the matchup set for 2029. This exciting news, reported by French media, highlights the Lions' tradition of playing a warm-up match on home turf prior to embarking on their southern hemisphere tour—specifically, a visit to New Zealand scheduled for three years from now. However, before that adventure begins, sources indicate that the French Rugby Federation has authorized a significant match against the Lions to take place in Europe.
Historically, the two sides first faced each other in 1989, a match that ended in an electrifying draw of 29-29 at the iconic Parc des Princes. There has been much anticipation surrounding this potential clash with Les Bleus, and it is certain to attract considerable attention from fans and rugby enthusiasts alike. Additionally, there may be further warm-up games leading up to the 2029 tour, possibly even in the United States, as the country prepares to host the Rugby World Cup in 2031.
In other news, Rhys Carre, the talented Welsh player, has reportedly signed a new contract with Saracens. Over the weekend, it was revealed that Carre was deep in negotiations with the London-based club as his current contract was nearing its expiration at the end of the season. Previously, Carre had turned down lucrative offers from French Top 14 teams, opting instead to remain with Saracens, a decision that has now been confirmed by various sources.
Having been brought back into the Wales squad under coach Steve Tandy after a period of absence from the international scene during Warren Gatland's tenure, Carre's career is on an upward trajectory. He was also a target for Mike Tindall’s controversial rebel league, R360, which is now postponed until 2028, prompting many players, including Carre, to reconsider their career paths.
As for the Six Nations tournament, Carre is expected to be included in Tandy's squad when it is announced next week, showcasing his return to form and prominence in Welsh rugby.
Meanwhile, Gloucester is poised for possible management changes as director of rugby George Skivington faces pressure due to a lackluster start to the domestic season. Currently, the Cherry & Whites find themselves in ninth place after nine matches, just a few points clear of the relegation zone occupied by Newcastle. Reports suggest that the club is contemplating a "management restructure" to alleviate some of the pressure on Skivington, with Richard Cockerill and Rob Burgess, Bath’s head of recruitment, emerging as potential candidates for assistance.
With Jac Morgan and Dewi Lake set to join Gloucester next season, Skivington has engaged in "very honest" discussions with them prior to finalizing their contracts. He emphasized the caliber of the players he is bringing in, stating, "These aren't foolish individuals signing with the club; they are genuine talents who are eager to make an impact." Furthermore, Skivington plans to welcome former England scrum-half Dan Robson as a replacement for the departing Tomos Williams, ensuring that the club continues to strengthen its lineup for the upcoming season. He aims to present a clear vision for the future of the club, articulating both the current realities and the aspirations for growth and improvement moving forward.
