French Prime Minister Francois Fillon has written to his New Zealand counterpart condemning the 'unjustifiable' lies of Mathieu Bastareaud, who claimed he had been attacked in Wellington.

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"The tour to New Zealand of the France rugby team has been marked by the unjustifiable behaviour of one of the players," Fillon wrote in a letter published by his office.

"Through his untruthful statements, which led you to intervene publicly, he seriously undermined the reputation of your country and his inhabitants. Please believe I deplore this incident," he added in the letter to John Key.

"Our two countries share the same rugby culture. This sport has always helped our two nations to mutual respect. I hope these feelings will last after this unfortunate event."

Bastareaud (pictured), 20, said he had been assaulted as he returned to the team hotel in the early hours following a 14-10 defeat to New Zealand in Wellington on June 20.

Back in France the centre admitted lying after being told CCTV footage from the hotel showed him returning uninjured. He said he had fallen in his bedroom because he was drunk.