French flair fails to get look in with All Blacks all sewn up

Photo / Sarah Ivey

They've been known to dish out a few lessons in style on the rugby field, and now the French are keen to teach the All Blacks how to dress off the pitch as well.

Franck Mesnel, who owns the Eden Park clothing brand, approached the New Zealand Rugby Union about providing suits for Richie McCaw's team in time for next year's Rugby World Cup.

Mesnel, a former French first-five, said: "We are dressing the French rugby team, the Lions, and the Great Britain Olympic side - it's huge for a Froggy to be involved with English sport.

"The brand is really flying and we would be delighted to work with them.

"They are legends. They have a way of playing that excites everyone. It's part of the attraction. It would be a great partnership, but so far they haven't shown any interest."

NZRU commercial manager Paul Dalton said they were tied to an exclusive deal with adidas until 2019. Barkers provided formal wear until the end of next year.

"We have had contact with the people at Eden Park over the years and it is one of a number of apparel manufacturers who have expressed interest in being associated with the All Blacks," Dalton said.

"Currently the NZRU has a successful association with Barkers for formal wear and this relationship is in place for at least another year.

"If there were to be an opportunity, it would be limited to formal wear and only from 2012 at the earliest."

A potential stumbling block could be a branding clash with the stadium.