Following confirmation that borders will open for vaccinated New Zealanders, the All Blacks are scheduled to warm-up in Fiji later this month before competing in the World Series.

It will be New Zealand’s first appearance in the tournament in more than two years due to the coronavirus pandemic.

New Zealand have won more World Series sevens titles than any other nation with the All Blacks claiming top honours 13 times and the Black Ferns earning six of the eight crowns.

The men’s team also earned silver at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, while the women’s side secured gold.

“We know they have continued to train so diligently, and it’s been hard for them to see the World Series continue without them,” said Mike Anthony, head of high performance for New Zealand Rugby.

“While the teams have had some internal and domestic hit outs, nothing beats international competition so these matches in Fiji will be vital to kick start their on-field performance ahead of a huge six months that features two pinnacle events.”

The Singapore leg, scheduled to be held on April 9 and 10 is the fifth of nine tournaments in the men’s World Rugby Sevens Series and first since January.

South Africa has dominated the 2022 season thus far, winning the opening four events of the series.

Organisers say they are working closely with the relevant authorities to stage the event safely in accordance with Singapore’s prevailing safety management measures. SG Rugby 7s live streaming

“All stakeholders are working hard in partnership to deliver a spectacular, safe and secure event and the players and teams are looking forward to getting back on the pitch and showcasing the speed, skill and thrills of world class rugby sevens in Singapore,” said Doug Langley, director of the World Rugby Sevens Series.

Singapore Sports Hub chief executive Lionel Yeo added: “We are delighted to welcome the HSBC Rugby Sevens to the Singapore Sports Hub this April.

“This is another important step towards the return of exciting large-scale live events in Singapore.”

FRANCE v ALL BLACKS

Where: Stade de France, Paris

When: Sunday, 9am (NZT) (live coverage on Stuff from 8.45am)

Referee: Wayne Barnes (England)

Assistant referees: Luke Pearce (England), Karl Dickson (England)

TMO: Stuart Terheege (England)

THE TEAMS

France: Melvyn Jaminet, Damian Penaud, Gael Fickou, Jonathan Danty, Gabin Villière, Romain Ntamack, Antoine Dupont (c), Gregory Alldritt, Francois Cros, Anthony Jelonch, Paul Willemse, Cameron Woki, Uini Antonio, Peato Mauvaka, Cyril Baille. Reserves: Gaëtan Barlot, Jean-Baptiste Gros, Demba Bamba, Thibaud Flament, Dylan Cretin, Maxime Lucu, Mathieu Jailbert.

All Blacks: Jordie Barrett, Will Jordan, Rieko Ioane, Quinn Tupaea, George Bridge, Richie Mo’unga, Aaron Smith, Ardie Savea, Sam Cane, Akira Ioane, Sam Whitelock (c), Brodie Retallick, Nepo Laulala, Dane Coles, Joe Moody. Reserves: Samisoni Taukei’aho, George Bower, Ofa Tuungafasi, Tupou Vaa’i, Shannon Frizell, Brad Weber, Damian McKenzie, David Havili.

France‘s 42-man squad to face Argentina, New Zealand and Georgia in their autumn Internationals fixtures has been named by coach Fabien Galthie. Nine uncapped players have been selected alongside familiar faces such as half-backs Antoine Dupont and Romain Ntamack.

Camille Chat, Pierre-Louis Barassi and Teddy Thomas all miss out through injury, as does Charles Ollivon, who captained France in the Six Nations.

The hosts’ most recent result against their first opponents Argentina was a nail-biter at the 2019 World Cup that France won 23-21. Can Galthie’s side secure a more comfortable victory this time as they build on impressive performances in 2021?

After the Pumas, they play Georgia in Bordeaux and then return to the Stade de France for the ‘big one’ against New Zealand.

France Autumn Internationals Fixtures 2021

Sat 6 November, France v Argentina (8pm,  Stade de France) Live on Amazon Prime

Sun 14 November, France v Georgia (1pm, Matmut Atlantique, Bordeaux) Live on Amazon Prime

Sat 20 November, France v New Zealand (8pm Stade de France) Live on Amazon Prime

France Autumn Internationals Squad 2021

Forwards: Gregory Alldritt, Anthony Jelonch, Cameron Woki, Dylan Cretin, Francois Cros, Sekou Macalou, Ibrahim Diallo, Paul Willemse, Bernard Le Roux, Romain Taofifenua, Thibaud Flament, Killian Geraci, Florent Vanverberghe, Florian Verhaeghe, Demba Bamba, Wilfrid Hounkpatin, Uini Atonio, Julian Marchand, Peato Mauvaka, Gaetan Barlot, Cyril Baille, Jean-Baptiste Gros, Thierry Paiva.

Backs: Romain Buros, Brice Dul in, Melvyn Jaminet, Thomas Ramos, Gabin Villiere, Damian Penaud, Matthis Lebel, Donovan Taofifenua, Gael Fickou, Virimi Vakatawa, Yoram Moefana, Jonathan Danty, Tani Vili, Romain Ntamack, Matthieu Jalibert, Antoine Hastoy, Antoine Dupont, Baptiste Couilloud, Maxime Lucu.