New Zealand Rugby in talks to move home Test vs France to USA in 2025

By Cameron McMillan

New Zealand Rugby (NZR) is weighing up the option of moving of an All Blacks home test against France next year to the United States as a potential test double-header.

The Herald understands that NZR and the French Rugby Federation are in discussions to take one of the July tests next year away from New Zealand.

One option is heading to the US, which could be part of a doubleheader with England and the USA Eagles. England are reportedly eyeing their first game in the US in 24 years before embarking on a two-test series against Argentina.

French publication L’Equipe reports that French officials are believed to be awaiting a formal proposal which is understood to have been led by USA Rugby.

The move comes a month after confirmation France would be sending an understrength squad on the tour to New Zealand. The French Rugby Federation announced players who compete for teams in Top 14 finals will not be selected for July internationals in 2025 and 2026.

“New Zealand Rugby is working to finalise the details of an exciting 2025 domestic test schedule for the Black Ferns and All Blacks, including the July series against France. We expect to be able to share the schedule with fans in December,” NZR said in a statement.

More than 33,000 fans attended the clash at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, with more than 70% of attendees from outside the city. The test also brought commercial opportunities and exposure in the lead-up to the 2031 Rugby World Cup.

The US will host its first Rugby World Cup in 2031 and there appears to be a big drive from USA Rugby to get major test nations playing there in the lead-up to the event. The British and Irish Lions and NZR are reportedly looking at hosting a game there for the 2029 tour before the Lions head to New Zealand.

In 2025, Scott Robertson’s side are expected to host three tests against France, their first against the All Blacks since 2018, two against World Champion South Africa as well as a Bledisloe Cup test.

They will also have two away tests against Argentina in the Rugby Championship as well as an away Bledisloe Cup test with Australia.

“New Zealand Rugby is working to finalise the details of an exciting 2025 domestic test schedule for the Black Ferns and All Blacks, including the July series against France. We expect to be able to share the schedule with fans in December,” New Zealand Rugby said in a statement.

The All Blacks first visit to the US was in 1913 when they faced the national team in Berkeley. It was 101 years before they returned, a 74-6 victory over the USA Eagles in Chicago.

They returned in 2016 and in 2021 played the US in Washington before the European leg of the northern tour.

Scotland could also be on New Zealand shores next July with plans in place for a midweek fixture.

Coach Gregor Townsend confirmed this week that his side are set to face Fiji in the Pacific Islands and are looking to firm up another test possibly in New Zealand along with a midweek game.

When asked if that would be against the All Blacks, Townsend answered: “No, probably a midweek game. You can work out who that could be.”

Blues coach Vern Cotter is a former Scotland coach but the Super Rugby Pacific season would be wrapped up by then. A clash with the Maori All Blacks would be a likely option.

This article was first published on nzherald.co.nz and is republished here with permission