Rugby: FFR refuses to relocate a New Zealand - France test match to the USA in 2025

The Fédération Française de Rugby has declined New Zealand Rugby's offer to relocate the third New Zealand - France test match of the French national team's tour in July 2025 to the United States, confirmed Florian Grill, president of the FFR, to the French sports daily L'Équipe on 04/12/2024. The three test matches will therefore take place in New Zealand.

"After discussions with our medical teams and our staff, we decided to answer no. There would have been a double time difference, first the one to go to New Zealand then the one to go to the United States. And in addition, there is a change of season. We weighed the advantages and disadvantages. There were indeed some advantages including the promotion of rugby on American territory in anticipation of the 2031 World Cup but also a small (financial) bonus for the FFR, but despite our financial situation, our priority is the health of the players. We do not want to multiply the injuries. The three matches will take place in New Zealand," said Florian Grill.

New Zealand had looked into the possibility of staging this third match in…