As France gears up for their three-match Test series against New Zealand… For rugby fans following the AB’s playing France (although we are uncertain if they are the real French National team?) tomorrow, the following TRM inmate’s interview with French rugby icon, Raphael Ibanez, provides a brief view of the irresistible attraction to an overseas angler for an opportunity to fish the mighty Tongariro River.

Note his qualifications to comment are as an ex-Captain of the real French National Rugby Team.

Although the interview was in 2019, his comments are still relevant. He loves his Tongariro trout fishing almost as much as his rugby… he even admits the Tongariro trout fishing was his secret goal to tour and visit NZ.