France head coach Fabien Galthie insists that player welfare is their priority after defending their decision to tour New Zealand with a weakened squad.
Earlier in the week, it was confirmed by the French Rugby Federation (FFR) that a deal had been agreed with the National Rugby League (LNR) over the strength of the group Les Bleus’ boss could send.
Following talks between the respective governing bodies, it was confirmed that Galthie could only pick players who had ‘little or no’ playing time in the Six Nations in the 42-man squad.
Although an exception has been made for the upcoming tour after an outcry from some top French players who wish to face the All Blacks – allowing Top 14 finalists to head to New Zealand – it is limited to five.
The criteria for the five finalists
Those individuals must also meet a certain criteria – not too much game time in 2024/25 and the selection being subject to prior agreement with the club.
It therefore points to a severely understrength France side facing the All Blacks during the three-Test series in July.
“With Mathieu Brauge (team manager) and Nicolas Jeanjean (performance director), who went there to scout, we worked on the tour schedule,” Galthie told Midi Olympique.
“In collaboration with the clubs and the LNR, we have, with the indispensable presence of Jean-Marc Lhermet (FFR vice president), also changed the league-FFR agreement to allow Top 14 finalists to play the second and third Tests.
“They will join us in Auckland on July 2 but will not play the first Test because they will have arrived three days before.”
All Blacks to face a handful of France’s best after an agreement is reached with major caveats
It is also not a guarantee that all the chosen five players from the Top 14 finalists will tour, with Galthie facing a nervous wait over whether they make it through the showpiece event.
“Let’s imagine that the targeted players for whom we have an agreement with the managers get injured in the final…” he added.
New Zealand Rugby’s fury
When it was initially announced that France would be sending a weakened squad on this tour, there were reports that New Zealand Rugby were furious with the FFR.
Even this slight compromise might not be met with absolute glee by the governing body or the fans, something Galthie understands, but the head coach once again explained why they feel the need to rest their stars.
“Of course,” he responded after being asked if he was aware of New Zealand’s frustration. “It’s not for a lack of explanation why we can’t send the most used players [over the course of the season] on a summer tour.
“French rugby players potentially have 37 matches to play with their club, to which we add, in absolute terms, 11 matches for the French XV. Who can play 50 rugby matches per season? Nobody.
“After 25 matches or 2,000 minutes played, the factors limiting a player’s performance and development are multiplied. This is a public health issue.”
The French boss also discussed how their situation is different to New Zealand, whose system is very much geared towards the All Blacks.
“They have a different schedule. They play about 10 matches with their provinces, which is basically their pre-season. Then they are completely dedicated to their national team, so it’s completely different,” he added.