The future of competitions is in abeyance. This Tuesday, a meeting took place between the representatives of the French Rugby Federation and those of the National Rugby League to take stock of the outcome of the Top 14 and Pro D2 seasons. The 30 presidents of professional clubs were present, Paul Goze and Emmanuel Eschalier, respectively president and general manager of the LNR. On the side of the FFR, the president Bernard Laporte, the vice-president Serge Simon, the assistant general manager Laurent Gabbanini and the treasurer Alexandre Martinez were of this meeting.
»READ ALSO - Laporte-Goze, the eternal return of the chefs' fight
During this one, Bernard Laporte, relying on the latest recommendations from World Rugby, made a strong announcement, announcing that the seasons of Top 14 and Pro D2 could indeed be over. According to our colleagues at Midi Olympique, the president of the FFR would have declared: “I would like to share with you the information that I have from my meetings at World Rugby. One of the recovery hypotheses, the worst, is indeed suitable for a return to normal in January 2021. There is therefore a strong risk that you will not be able to resume competition. Prepare for it. ”
Pro D2 TV rights not affected
Immediate response from Paul Goze, the president of the League, who, according to Midi Olympique , wanted to qualify these remarks. “There is no point in speculating today. The government will decide. Let's give ourselves three more weeks of reflection. "
Among the questions that arise, there is that of the promotion of two teams of Federal 1 (third division) in Pro D2, wanted by the FFR. The clubs of the second division oppose this passage from 16 to 18 clubs for a season, fearing to see the division of their TV rights reduced. Bernard Laporte would then have explained that this would not be the case, the teams of Pro D2 would not be impacted by this transition to 18. It remains to be seen who will have to pay the difference. The FFR itself? This point remains to be clarified.
Decision at the end of April
At the beginning of the evening, the FFR and the LNR published a joint press release in which it is stated: “The FFR, the LNR and all the presidents of professional clubs met today to discuss the health situation and the issue of Federal 1 club climbs in Pro D2. At the end of this exchange, it was decided to postpone the decision at the end of April in order to take into account the evolution of health conditions and the government measures which ensue. The decision will be taken in unison and with knowledge of the periods of real resumption of sporting activities and the conditions of assembly. ” So answer at the end of the month.
Read also
- Laporte wants to create, with World Rugby, a Club World Cup
