the essential
The French XV will fly to New Zealand in the summer of 2025 for a summer tour. However, the recent statements from the Blues staff as well as Fabien Galthié were not appreciated by the leaders of the New Zealand Rugby Federation.
This is a press release that went badly. Tuesday afternoon, the French Rugby Federation (FFR) and the National Rugby League (LNR) announced the signing of an amendment to the 2022-2027 Convention. This concerns the provision of international players until the 2026 summer tour.
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Concerning the next two summer tours, 2025 and 2026, the desire of the Blues staff remains the same, namely that many executives will not be on the trip. “The 2025 and 2026 international summer periods are part of a preparation cycle for the 2027 World Cup with an approach focused on the management of the players most in demand and on the progressive construction of the squad” indicates the press release. Specifying: “The Top 14 finalists will not be selected for these international periods.”
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This rule will apply from next summer for the New Zealand tour. “We will go on tour in the summer of 2025 in New Zealand without our “Premiums”. It’s an accepted choice. But it’s been like that for 4 years. Why change strategy? Because we’re traveling to the All Blacks? You have to be consistent,” coach Fabien Galthié told L’Équipe last June.
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A decision which seems to have greatly displeased New Zealand leaders. “Interestingly, France is taking a second team to New Zealand. NZR officials are furious, as this devalues a mega-series and their ability to market it, especially as France has reported that “She was doing it so far in advance,” journalist Will Kelleher told X.
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“New Zealand admitted their “surprise” after France confirmed they would send an understrength team on their tour next year,” writes PlanetRugby. “We are seeking further information and clarification from World Rugby and the French union in order to better understand the situation,” the New Zealand Federation even told Reuters. World Rugby indicated for its part that regulation 9 and the selection of the test window were “clear”.
