The British and Irish Lions tour 2029 is the next scheduled Lions tour, with the destination to be confirmed in the coming years. For Irish punters, the Lions generate significant interest given the number of Irish players who historically feature in the touring squad.
What Is the British and Irish Lions?
The British and Irish Lions is a combined rugby union team drawn from the best players of England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland. The team tours a Southern Hemisphere nation (Australia, New Zealand or South Africa) every four years, playing regional matches and a three-test series against the host nation. It is one of rugby union's most prestigious touring traditions, dating back to 1888.
Lions 2029 — What We Know
The Lions tour schedule follows a four-year cycle. With the 2025 tour to Australia completed, the next Lions tour is expected in 2029. The host nation for 2029 will be announced by World Rugby. The two most likely destinations are New Zealand (the All Blacks) or South Africa (the Springboks) — both destinations carry enormous historical significance for the Lions tradition.
Main Betting Markets for Lions Tours
- Test series winner: Which team — Lions or the host nation — wins the three-test series. This is the flagship market.
- Individual test results: Match betting on each of the three tests separately.
- Top try scorer for the Lions: Which Lions player scores most tries across the tour — popular novelty market.
- To be named Lions captain: Pre-tour selection market — Irish players have captained recent Lions tours.
Responsible Betting
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Compare Betting Odds →Frequently Asked Questions
The next British and Irish Lions tour after 2025 is expected in 2029, following the four-year cycle. The host nation for 2029 has not yet been officially confirmed. New Zealand and South Africa are the most likely destinations based on the rotation cycle.
The number of Irish players in a Lions squad varies based on form at the time of selection. Recent tours have included a significant Irish contingent — sometimes as many as 10 or more of the 36-player touring squad — reflecting Ireland's strong period of international rugby. Ireland players have captained recent tours.
Very early outright winner markets for the 2029 Lions tour test series may become available in 2028, depending on when the destination is announced. Full betting markets open once the tour schedule and selected squad are confirmed in spring 2029.
Yes — GRAI-licensed bookmakers offer match betting on all Lions tests once the tour schedule is confirmed. Regional tour matches against provincial teams are also available from some operators. Full market coverage typically opens in the weeks before each test.