Legendary French captain Jean-Pierre Rives has thanked the All Blacks for providing a boost for rugby in his homeland.
Known as Casque d'or, or Golden Helmet, in his playing days because of his long, fair hair, Rives said the All Blacks were like "pop stars" in France.
"Whatthey are doing is wonderful for rugby in general because they go to the public, they go to the kids, they go to the training sessions for clubs and invite the young players to participate," he said.
His thoughts are in sharp contrast to those expressed four years ago by the boss of the Victorian Rugby Union who said publicly that the All Blacks had done little to promote the sport while based in Aussie rules-dominated Melbourne.
"What the All Blacks are doing is wonderful and shows a real spirit of the rugby. Thank you for that," Rives continued.
He was speaking at a gala night for the All Blacks put on by the town burghers of Aix-en-Provence, where the NZ team have been based for the best part of two weeks. Rives, too, has left a more permanent record of their visit. The renowned sculptor has put up a number of large steel works around the town centre.
"They are symbolic of the All Blacks and of rugby because the All Blacks is rugby," said Rives. "That's the only reply I can give. Rugby's home is New Zealand."
The 54-year-old Rives captained France on 34 occasions through one of the country's most memorable periods. Les Bleus won Grand Slams in 1977 and 1981 under his leadership and he became the first French captain to win in New Zealand.
Rives will be in Australia next month to exhibit some of his work at Sculpture by the Sea in Sydney and will also visit New Zealand.
While here he will try to catch up with some old friends.
"Of course, of course. With Graham Mourie and Andy Haden and David Kirk. They are wonderful men. Gentlemen.
"And that's more important because rugby, it's just a ball with men around it. When there's no more ball it's just the men. That's the most important thing in life."
