KEEP STATUS QUO AND ROCKIN' ALL OVER THE WORLD

Skipper Itoje pleads with Lions chiefs to stick to tradition and take on Southern Hemisphere Big Three rather than make tours more local

- ADAM HATHAWAY

MARO ITOJE has urged Lions chiefs to stick with tradition and carry on travelling to the Southern Hemisphere's Big Three.

The tourists’ bosses have said they are open to visiting other venues with only the tour of New Zealand - in 2029 - locked into their schedule.

A trip to France has been mooted, with the vibrant club game over there sure to supply quality non-Test match opponents in cities like Toulouse and Bordeaux, while it would be easier for Lions supporters to attend matches.

But captain Itoje has done the full set of New Zealand, South Africa plus Australia and he reckons things should stay as they are for now.

Itoje, left, said: "With the three nations the Lions tour, there's a strong sense of history and tradition.

"Perhaps the Lions is the last of the traditional organisations in the modern era. Part of me is keen for it to continue to rotate among the three countries it does.