NZR seeks answers as France 'devalues' 2025 All Blacks tour
NEWS: The New Zealand Rugby Union is seeking more information from the global governing body World Rugby after France opted to exclude some national players from next year’s Test against the All Blacks.
The French rugby union said this week that players who compete for teams in the Top 14 Finals will not be selected for July internationals in 2025 and 2026 as part of an agreement with the domestic league on player availability.
Should France go ahead with their decision, it would be in defiance of World Rugby’s Regulation 9 which specifies that players must be available for selection during international windows.
This would mean they will face the All Blacks with a weakened side in July next year given the prevalence of its leading players in the Top 14 which finishes with June playoffs.
New Zealand Rugby said it was but was “surprised” by the announcement of the French rugby union.
“We are seeking further information and clarification from both World Rugby and the French union to better understand the situation,” NZR said.
A World Rugby spokesperson said Regulation 9 and its test selection window were “clear” but declined to comment further.
France has previously toured southern hemisphere nations with under-strength squads for mid-year tests without openly stating its selection priorities in advance.
The French rugby union’s agreement with the organisers of Top 14 also included provisions on player availability for the Six Nations.
However, the policy prioritises test selection over Top 14 club duties during the northern hemisphere tournament.
