Northern | US

Bastareaud explains New York move


France centre Mathieu Bastareaud
Comments
Comment

Mathieu Bastareaud says his decision to join Rugby United New York was motivated by a desire for a new experience with his family.

ADVERTISEMENT

It was confirmed on Monday that the powerhouse Toulon and France centre will join the Major League Rugby side after the Rugby World Cup in Japan.

Bastareaud, who has made 54 appearances for France, spoke with Super Rugby side the Sharks but opted for the chance to move to the Big Apple.

“My first idea was South Africa, with the Sharks. We talked for a long time, but there was nothing concrete,” he told L’Equipe.

“But with my new family situation, I needed something safe. In the end, we entered into discussions with [RUNY chief executive] Pierre Arnald.

“New York, ultimately, was the best compromise between the experience of living and seeing something else with the family. I have to think for three now, not just for me.”

It was initially reported Bastareaud would be leaving on a one-year loan, but the 30-year-old said that is not the case.

ADVERTISEMENT

“It’s not a loan at all. I am under contract with RCT until November, then paid by the New York club until June,” he added.

“For the rest, there are discussions. Will anyone want me again? It’s not clear. It’s an experience to come back better.

“It’s just a goodbye and see you soon. I hope [to come back] but nothing is fixed.”

Bastareaud is New York’s second marquee signing after former England international Ben Foden joined last year.

You may also like: 2019 Rugby World Cup City Guide: Kobe

Video Spacer

ADVERTISEMENT

Stream Nations Championship 2026 LIVE

Hemispheres collide in the new Nations Championship. Stream live, replays and highlights free on RugbyPass TV.

Watch on RPTV
Starts 4th July 2026 - USA only.
ADVERTISEMENT
Play Video
LIVE

{{item.title}}

Trending on RugbyPass

Comments

0 Comments
Be the first to comment...

Join free and tell us what you really think!

Sign up for free
ADVERTISEMENT

Latest Long Reads

Comments on RugbyPass

P
Phantom 32 minutes ago
Nations Championship: 'The data shows the north has finally caught up with the south'

Fact: the gap between the North and the South has narrowed considerably - that I get. However, determining that only selecting only Home grown players or playing in the home country is is the optimal strategy is a bit of a toss up and highly reliant on the economies of the home union. I do understand that England and to a lesser degree Ireland selects home based only. The top 14 is a massive threat to their domestic product. France would probably not be affected (the money is at home). Fiji, Argentina, Samoa, Italy and you could even argue Scotland have only benefitted from this. Their players either go overseas to learn at higher levels (Fiji, Samoa, Argentina) or players coming into their leagues to strengthen the home product and their National teams (Scotland, Italy, Japan).

South Africa used to limit its selection to the home based players, but the reality of a weak currency vs what players could earn oversees meant that you lost access to your best players at some stage of their careers, with very few exceptions. Kolbe left SA as he was considered too small for International Rugby (yes coaches/selectors view), but ironically in France he forced selectors to notice his endeavors and select him. He is only reaching 50 caps now despite being north of 30 - granted rotation and the odd injury also played a role, but for the most part it is having debuted or becoming a regular so late.



...

14 Go to comments
Close Panel
Close Panel

Edition & Time Zone

{{current.name}}
Set time zone automatically
{{selectedTimezoneTitle}} (auto)
Choose a different time zone
Close Panel

Editions

Close Panel

Change Time Zone

Copied to clipboard

Share Article close