While the French XV must go to New Zealand this summer to challenge the All Blacks, the New Zealand federation would like to relocate one of the three tests to the United States.
Will we see the Blues and the Blacks challenge each other in New York, Los Angeles or even Las Vegas? It's a possibility. According to information from The Teamthe New Zealand federation would like to relocate one of the three tests planned for next summer between the two selections in the United States. Obviously, Kiwi leaders would be motivated by economic reasons. In recent years, the All Blacks have already played two matches on the other side of the Atlantic. It was against Ireland in Chicago in 2016, a match they lost 40-29, then last July against Fiji in San Diego (47-5 victory).
Still with our colleagues, the president of the FFR, Florian Grill, reacted to this desire: “They actually mentioned this proposal to us. We are waiting to see in what framework and to receive a formal proposal. We are not necessarily favorable from a sporting point of view but are considering the interest in terms of promoting rugby in the United States ahead of the 2031 World Cup which will take place there. It is therefore still too early to answer since we do not know the precise framework to date.”
No premiums or Top 14 finalists among the Blues
As a reminder, next July, the France team will be deprived of many executives for its three clashes against the last finalists of the 2023 World Cup. The players playing in the Top 14 final as well as the “premiums” will not be selected . And this, regardless of the location of these matches…
France
