JUST IN: Fabien Galthie Breaks Silence on All Blacks Controversy as France Coach Responds to Backlash Over Squad Selection
France head coach Fabien Galthie has addressed the controversy surrounding his squad selection for the upcoming tour of New Zealand, emphasizing that player welfare remains the top priority for his team.
Earlier this week, the French Rugby Federation (FFR) confirmed an agreement with the National Rugby League (LNR) that limited Galthie’s selection options. According to the deal, only players who had minimal or no involvement in the Six Nations could be included in the 42-man squad set to tour New Zealand.
Despite widespread criticism and appeals from some high-profile French players who wanted the chance to compete against the All Blacks, only five players from the Top 14 finalists are being allowed to join the squad — and even then, under strict conditions.
Conditions for Top 14 Finalists
These five players must meet specific requirements: they must have logged relatively few minutes during the 2024/25 season, and their participation must be approved by their respective clubs. As a result, France is expected to send a significantly weakened squad to face New Zealand in the three-match Test series scheduled for July.
“We’ve worked on the tour plans alongside Mathieu Brauge (team manager) and Nicolas Jeanjean (performance director), who went ahead for scouting,” Galthie told Midi Olympique. “Together with the clubs, the LNR, and with crucial support from Jean-Marc Lhermet (FFR vice president), we renegotiated the league-FFR agreement to allow the Top 14 finalists to join us for the second and third Tests.”
The five players will arrive in Auckland on July 2, ruling them out of the first Test due to the short turnaround time from the Top 14 final.
France’s Compromise, But Doubts Remain
It remains uncertain whether all five designated players will ultimately travel, especially if any sustain injuries during the final.
“We’re still unsure. If one of those selected gets injured in the final, our plans could change quickly,” Galthie noted.
Frustration from New Zealand Rugby
News that France would be fielding a weakened team reportedly sparked anger from New Zealand Rugby, which expected a full-strength French side. While the compromise allowing a few key players to join is a partial concession, it’s unlikely to fully satisfy New Zealand’s governing body or supporters.
Galthie acknowledged their disappointment: “Of course, I understand why New Zealand is frustrated. But there’s a valid reason we’re resting our core players.”
He pointed out that French players can be involved in as many as 37 club matches in a season, with up to 11 additional games for the national team — potentially reaching nearly 50 matches annually.
“No one can play that much top-level rugby. Once a player hits 25 games or 2,000 minutes in a season, their performance and health begin to decline significantly. It’s a matter of public health,” Galthie emphasized.
Different Systems, Different Realities
The France head coach also explained that the structure of New Zealand’s rugby calendar is fundamentally different. “Their players have a different rhythm — about 10 games with their provinces, which act like their pre-season. Then they fully transition into national team duties. That’s not the case in France,” he concluded.
