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The USA has been tabled to host not one but two All Blacks test matches in 2025. In addition to facing Ireland in Chicago in November, as part of the end-of-year, internationals, New Zealand is seeking to move a home test match against France to the USA.
France is scheduled to tour New Zealand in July 2025 and play three test matches. They are to be 50% of New Zealand’s six home matches for the year. The All Blacks are to host South Africa twice and Australia once in there 2025 Rugby Championship.
However, New Zealand plans for one of the three home matches against France to not be in New Zealand. Reports from French publication L’Equipe note that the All Blacks could host Les Bleus stateside. New Zealand rugby bosses, motivated by economic reasons, are seeking to move the match. The FFR has been made aware of the plans.
FFR President Florian Grill told L’Equipe:
“They actually mentioned this proposal to us. We are waiting to see in what framework and to receive a formal proposal. We are not necessarily favorable from a sporting point of view but are considering the interest in terms of promoting rugby in the United States ahead of the 2031 World Cup which will take place there. It is therefore still too early to answer since we do not know the precise framework to date.”
The All Blacks have previously played test matches in the USA. New Zealand defeated Fiji 47-5 in San Diego in July 2024. Earlier matches saw the All Blacks defeating the USA Eagles 104-14 in Washington DC in 2021 and in 74-6 Chicago in 2014. The All Blacks famously fell 40-29 to Ireland in Chicago in 2016.
Dates and venues for New Zealand vs France in the USA are unknown at this stage. The three test matches are expected to be played on the weekends of July 05, 12 and 19. The match may be taken to a new venue for the All Blacks. Fellow French publication Rugby Rama asks whether France will play against New Zealand in New York, Los Angeles or Las Vegas?
