Maro Itoje: British and Irish players will want to be a Lion as long as rugby is being played

Despite the world rugby calendar being under strain, and with a breakaway Rugby 360 tournament set to be launched placing increasing pressure on international teams, the current captain made his case for the continuation of a touring tradition now 137 years old.

CAREER HIGHLIGHT: British & Irish Lions captain Maro Itoje poses for a portrait in front of Sydney Harbour Bridge. Pic: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile.

Maro Itoje has made a passionate defence of the British & Irish Lions and the continuing rotation of tours to Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.

The Lions captain was speaking on Tuesday as the tourists transitioned from celebrating their unassailable 2-0 series lead against the Wallabies, achieved last Saturday at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, into the 2025 squad’s bid for a first series sweep since 1974 against the Springboks.