As the 64 loomse France – New Zealand match Saturday November 16 in Saint-Denis, the prospect of a low-cost tour in July 2025 in New Zealand is once again fueling discussions.
When coach Fabien Galthié announced during the summer that France could no longer travel with its premiums due to the final stages of the Top 14, among others, the flapping of the butterfly's wings in France had created an earthquake in New Zealand.
We then heard: Antoine Dupont will never be the best player in the world if he does not come to play in New Zealand at least once (which he has never done yet).
The New Zealand Rugby Federation is counting on it to rebuild itself
The federation at the end of the world had complained that the All Blacks deserved better than a second French team, even if the French staff is counting on these tours – like the one in South America in July 2024 – to increase its numbers and add strength. depth. In other words, tour players have every chance of being the premium players of tomorrow.
Except that tomorrow is tomorrow and New Zealand Rugby, in financial difficulty, was counting on the three matches scheduled against France in July 2025 to put some cash back into very empty coffers. Three matches are scheduled: July 5, 12 and 19, 2025.
The situation seems to satisfy no one. “Are they sad? Unhappy? I agree with them,” says Fabien Galthié in the columns of the Team. He too regrets this situation, but presents himself as the victim of an already too busy schedule.
A busy schedule
While World Rugby recommends a maximum of six consecutive matches before a rest, the reality of the calendar pushes players to play around thirty or even forty matches per season (between the end of August and July).
With the demands of the Six Nations Tournament, the European Cup and Top 14 final stages, as well as international tests, players are often in demand without respite, far exceeding recommendations.
This overload puts athletes at risk of injury, making it difficult to manage and threatening their long-term health.
“How do you expect me to add a month of competition in July for these boys, three matches that are certainly fabulous but of maximum intensity? We would get closer to forty matches, it's not possible. We had counted on thirty-five, which is already enormous,” says Fabien Galthié.
What about the British & Irish Lions, then?
How is it then that the Irish and British manage to mobilize their best elements in a British & Irish Lions tour as planned for July in Australia?
Galthié calculates: “They can do it. Do you know the Championships they have? They have ten teams in the Premiership; That's eight days less than us, two months less competition. »
In short, the problem seems insoluble. “I dream of taking our best team to New Zealand. But that would mean that clubs would be ready not to see their best players again in September or October. It’s very hard for the clubs, who pay them,” admits the coach, at an impasse.
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