The FFR is looking to the other side of the world to grow. In an interview with our colleagues at Midi Olympique, its president Florian Grill set out his wish to develop the playing of rugby in New Caledonia. A territory short on resources but which has nevertheless produced great champions such as Peato Mauvaka, Yoram Moefana and, further back, Willy Taofifenua, whose two sons Romain and Sébastien both wore the France jersey.

Although she was born in mainland France, France women’s captain Manaé Feleu also grew up in this overseas territory nearly 17,000 kilometres from Paris.

A meeting planned with the overseas territories minister

“New Caledonia is 0.25% of our playing numbers and 15% of our France teams. So the potential is enormous,” points out Florian Grill, who is planning an ambitious scheme for the Pacific archipelago. It would run from boosting rugby in schools, with training for teachers, to the development of proper rugby facilities, some of which could even serve as a base camp for France before their meetings with neighbouring Australia and New Zealand.

Grill knows he cannot match his ambitions with the Federation’s own funds alone. That is why he is calling on the State to support this large-scale project. “We want to strike a win-win agreement with the State and help transform New Caledonian society through rugby. “

Midi Olympique reports that a meeting on the subject is already planned between the FFR president and overseas territories minister Manuel Valls. An appointment loaded with opportunity and hope for this rugby land at the end of the world.