The French Rugby Federation has decided: the three test matches scheduled for July 2025 between the Blues and the All Blacks will take place exclusively in New Zealand, according to information from L'Equipe. A decision which puts an end to the ambitions of the New Zealand Federation (NZR), which hoped to relocate the third test to American soil, for economic and strategic purposes. President Florian Grill explained this decision by highlighting sporting and medical concerns. “After discussions with our medical teams and our staff, we decided to answer no, Grill confirmed to L’Equipe. There would have been a double time difference, first to go to New Zealand and then to go to the United States. And what's more, there is a change of season. We weighed the advantages and disadvantages. There were indeed some advantages including the promotion of rugby on American territory in anticipation of the 2031 World Cup but also a small (financial) bonus for the FFR, but despite our financial situation, our priority is the health of the practitioners. We don't want to multiply the injuries. All three matches will take place in New Zealand. affirms the president of the FFR.
A preventive decision
An official letter was subsequently sent to the New Zealand Federation. She did not react but we can imagine her immense disappointment. The New Zealand Federation was counting on this delocalized test to reproduce the success of previous matches played in the United States, such as that against Ireland in Chicago in 2016 or Fiji in San Diego in 2023. These events had made it possible to attract new sponsors and to replenish the finances of the NZR, while promoting rugby in a strategic territory. “We have to stop with the notion of a Premium team,” replies Grill. “We play with a group of 45 or 50 players. We are obliged to have regeneration periods. The same group of players cannot compete in the Top 14, the Six Nations, the Nations Cup tomorrow and the World Cup There is a French team with 50 players who rotate depending on injuries and availability. We have to change the model with, as we do, schedules. individualized by player”, explains Florian Grill.
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To summarize
The French Rugby Federation has decided: the three test matches scheduled for July 2025 between the Blues and the All Blacks will take place exclusively in New Zealand. A decision which puts an end to the ambitions of the New Zealand Federation, which hoped to relocate the third test to American soil.
