France’s controversial decision to omit rugby stars from NZ tour

News Team October 11, 2024

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France’s controversial decision to omit rugby stars from NZ tour

France’s head coach, Fabien Galthié, recently announced that the country’s elite players would not be selected for the summer tour to New Zealand in 2025, prompting strong criticism from New Zealand Rugby (NZR) officials.

France’s rationale

France’s decision, rooted in a commitment to prioritising player welfare and club responsibilities, aims to ensure that the country’s top rugby talents—specifically the elite 20 players—receive ample time for recovery and opportunities for development.

Galthié emphasised that this choice is directly tied to the demanding nature of the French domestic season, which features a gruelling schedule of 26 regular-season matches along with knockout rounds. The French Rugby Federation (FFR) supports this decision, stating that it aligns with a larger goal of preparing for the 2027 World Cup while improving player performance at both national and club levels.

“An initial group of 42 players touring New Zealand 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,” explained the FFR.

New Zealand’s frustration

The announcement has been met with frustration from New Zealand Rugby (NZR), whose officials expressed strong dissatisfaction. They believe that France’s decision undermines the excitement and competitiveness of the highly anticipated tour, which is expected to draw significant attention from fans and sponsors alike. Without star players like Antoine Dupont and Romain Ntamack, the All Blacks’ ability to promote the series takes a hit, and could affect ticket sales and television ratings.

Potential fallout

The fallout from this decision could be far-reaching. For New Zealand, it not only affects the financial viability of the series but also raises questions about the international rugby landscape. The clash between the contrasting priorities of the French club system and New Zealand’s international focus may highlight a growing divide in rugby culture. With NZR already struggling financially, reporting a loss of NZD $8.9 million last June, the lack of star players in the lineup could further exacerbate their revenue challenges, which rely heavily on home tests and the appeal of top international talent.

The absence of key players may also lead to lower betting interest, as the potential for close matches diminishes. “Major sponsors could also reconsider their investment in the tour if the marketability of the event declines, which would further impact NZR’s financial outlook,” explained the sports betting specialist Sportsbet.io, adding “With fewer high-profile athletes, the promotional value of the tour could diminish, affecting both betting sponsorships and overall engagement with fans”.

Antoine Dupont’s opportunity lost

For Antoine Dupont, this decision represents a missed opportunity to solidify his legacy as one of rugby’s all-time greats. Having already secured a gold medal at the Olympics, a yet-to-come World Cup victory and a successful tour of New Zealand would have positioned him among the sport’s legends. However, without the chance to compete against the All Blacks on their home turf, Dupont’s career narrative may remain incomplete.