All Blacks invade Europe

Four days after beating France in the World Cup Final, the New Zealand Rugby Union has announced it will open a commercial office in Paris.

Chief Executive Steve Tew said the office would open before the end of the year and would focus on attracting European sponsors and commercial partners for the World Cup-winning All Blacks.

Tew said: “we see this as the next step for the All Blacks brand if we want to be seen to take this market seriously.

“France is the biggest market for the All Blacks outside of New Zealand.”

SAPA-AP