France could host the All Blacks in a Test to be played in Dubai in November 2018, as part of a new Memorandum of Understanding signed today between UAE Rugby and the Federation Francaise de Rugby.

FFR president Bernard LaPorte was in Dubai today for the signing of the MoU and was excited about playing an international in the UAE.

“One of our objectives in signing this MoU is to organise games with the French team here in the UAE in the next couple of years” said Laporte.

“We also plan to welcome coaches and referees from the UAE in France at the national centre of in Marcoussis in order to support them to increase their own level. Also welcome some players in France and national team of the UAE.”

Qais Al Dhalai, the Secretary General of UAERF, confirmed plans for the historic test.

“The match will most probably be in 2018 at The Sevens or it might be at one of the bigger stadiums in Abu Dhabi or even Al Ain” said Dhalai.

“This would the first time in history that UAE has hosted a big game of Fifteens, Sevens of course but the first for Fifteens.”

Dhalai will now begin to finalise plans with France’s opponents.

“Now that the MOU has been signed we will communicate with the other union (to finalise details).”