And it’s important to mention that any good enough player to be called up to the France NT cannot play New Caledonia afterward. While not as bountiful as other French islands like Martinique or Gouadeloupe (Henry, Martial…) they formed some absolute elite player like Karambeu, Kombouare or Zimako. And of course a ton of great rugby players
We’ve got so many players that we’re now sending our regions to play in international competitions. World Cup, Gold Cup, Confederations Cup, Indian Ocean games…
How did New Caledonia even make it to the World Cup?
Oceania.
Also last time they qualified they drew against Japan so yeah it’s a bit unexpected too
Yeah, it’s worth noting OFC has had some fantastic results at age-group tournaments.
Fiji beating Honduras 3-0 in the 2015 U20 World Cup was a huge one, and Vanuatu taking Germany all the way (losing 3-2) in 2017 U20s was big too
Played against Samoa and Tahiti in the qualies lol
2 nations from Oceania quality, so always new zealand and the best island nation.
And it’s important to mention that any good enough player to be called up to the France NT cannot play New Caledonia afterward. While not as bountiful as other French islands like Martinique or Gouadeloupe (Henry, Martial…) they formed some absolute elite player like Karambeu, Kombouare or Zimako. And of course a ton of great rugby players
Is Australia not considered Oceania when it comes to the World Cup?
Not anymore
We’ve got so many players that we’re now sending our regions to play in international competitions. World Cup, Gold Cup, Confederations Cup, Indian Ocean games…