Dec 9 (Reuters) - The All Blacks will open their 2026 test season against France at the new One New Zealand Stadium in Christchurch, more than 15 years after a devastating earthquake hit the city, New Zealand Rugby announced on Tuesday.
The team have played only five times in Christchurch since the earthquake, which led to the demolition of Lancaster Park.
"For the All Blacks to play at the new One New Zealand stadium 15 years after the earthquakes will be a special moment for the team and a significant occasion for rugby at the start of a new era for the international game," New Zealand Rugby CEO Mark Robinson said in a statement.
The season opener will start on July 4 in the new-look, 12-team Nations Championship followed by home matches against Italy at Wellington's Sky Stadium on July 11 and Ireland at Auckland's Eden Park on July 18.
"Hosting France, Italy and Ireland in consecutive weeks will be new for our players and it creates three unique match experiences for fans in Christchurch, Wellington and Auckland as we kick off the Nations Championship era," Robinson said.
The All Blacks' unbeaten streak of 52 tests at Eden Park will face significant challenges in 2026, first against Ireland and then during the Bledisloe Cup test against Australia on October 10.
(Reporting by Suramya Kaushik in Bengaluru; Editing by Thomas Derpinghaus)
