Ex-All Blacks boss set to return to the international fold after World Cup heartbreak
New Zealand head coach Ian Foster walks past the Webb Ellis Cup following defeat in the Rugby World Cup 2023 final match at the Stade de France in Paris, France.
Former All Blacks boss Ian Foster is set to return to international rugby for the first time since coaching New Zealand in the 2023 World Cup.
Foster led New Zealand to the Rugby World Cup final, where they were ultimately beaten 11-12 by their fierce rivals South Africa.
Following the defeat, Foster has been replaced as head coach of the All Blacks by Scott Robertson.
The 58-year-old is reportedly set to link up with Sir Steve Hansen in Japan next season, but before he does so, he will return to the international stage in a one-off game against France.
Ian Foster to coach the World XV
Foster and Montpellier boss Patrice Collazo have been named as the coaches for the World XV, who will tackle France in a one-off game before Les Bleus depart for their South American tour, where they will face Argentina twice.
The clash will take place on June 22, the day after the first semi-final of the Top 14 and the same day as the second last-four match in France’s top flight.
Therefore, Fabien Galthie will not be able to select any French players from the four teams featuring in the semi-finals.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity to be asked to coach this World XV and an incredible opportunity in the life of a coach,” Foster said
“Facing the French XV in the Basque Country, we will certainly have the ambition to play an attacking brand of rugby with plenty of tries to entertain the French, Spanish and Basque supporters.”
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Vunipolas to play for World XV
According to Midi Olympique, Mako and Billy Vunipola are set to feature for Foster and Collazo’s team, and the brothers are linked to join Montpellier next season.
Fijian star Semi Radradra has also made himself available to the World XV, with Lyon set to be out of the playoff race.
Three Bayonne players are also set to play for the World XV, including French internationals Maxime Machenaud and Camille Lopez, as well as forward Tevita Tatafu.
