‘Livid’ New Zealand Rugby issue statement on France tour controversy as World Rugby asked for ‘clarification’
All Blacks haka v France before 2023 Rugby World Cup clash.
New Zealand have admitted their “surprise” after France confirmed that they would be sending an understrength team on their tour next year.
The governing body issued a statement on the matter after the French Rugby Federation (FFR) revealed that the players who reach the Top 14 final would not be available to head coach Fabien Galthie for the series in 2025.
FFR have said it is “part of a preparation cycle for the 2027 World Cup with an approach focused on managing the most in-demand players and on the gradual construction of the squad.”
Key players rested
They then added: “An initial group of 42 players will be formed in two stages. In the first stage, 28 available players will be selected after the Top 14 play-offs (mid-June) to prepare for a first France Development match on the weekend of the Top 14 semi-finals.
“This group will then be completed by players from the clubs that lost in the semi-finals, in order to reach a total of 42 players. The finalists of the Top 14 will not be selected for these international periods.”
That has caused controversy as New Zealand officials are understood to be “livid” with their French counterparts for their decision.
Publicly, however, the governing body are taking a slightly more diplomatic stance, despite conceding that they are “surprised” by the FFR announcement.
“We are seeking further information and clarification from both World Rugby and the French union to better understand the situation,” NZR told Reuters.
World Rugby were also asked to comment but they declined to go any further than state that Regulation 9 and its Test window selection was “clear.”
New Zealand Rugby are reportedly aggrieved as not having France’s top stars visit, such as Antoine Dupont, hampers their ability to promote the games.
It is a match-up between two of the top-four sides in the world but it could well prove to be a blowout should Dupont and co. not be involved.
Galthie proposal
Head coach Galthie recently proposed the idea of giving 20 “premium” players, which includes the superstar scrum-half, the summer off, irrespective of their progress in the Top 14.
“Players will benefit from four mandatory weeks off and four weeks without matches,” Galthie told L’Equipe in June.
“We built on trust while adjusting the management of the international season by choosing to rest our ‘premium’ during the summer tours.
“It was a first step. We want to go even further which will mean that we will go on tour in the summer of 2025 in New Zealand without our ‘premium’ players.
“It’s been like this for four years. Why change strategy? Because we’re travelling to the All Blacks? You have to be consistent.”
That was not addressed by the FFR in their statement on Tuesday, but it would not be a surprise if key Test stars who aren’t involved in the Top 14 final are still left behind.
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