On Sunday evening, it will be Ligue 1 again on Canal +.
And the Top 14 will comply.
The National Rugby League (LNR) announced Saturday morning the new programming of the elite matches of the French oval ball, linked to the acquisition of all the rights to Ligue 1 by the encrypted channel on Thursday.
The main consequence: the big poster of each day goes from Sunday to Saturday evening.
"Canal + is setting up two prime time event evenings dedicated to sport on Canal + Premium: Sunday evening for Ligue 1, and Saturday evening for a new meeting dedicated to the Top 14, allowing optimal exposure for rugby to be offered », Explains the NRL in its press release.
Rugby does not want to quarrel with Canal +
If the Top 14 loses this symbolic box, the leaders of French professional rugby did not want to argue.
One, because this schedule is less consistent with the expectations of a more family audience when the matches are not played behind closed doors.
Two, because the LNR did not intend to engage in an arm wrestling with Canal +, its only broadcaster, when it has just launched its call for tenders for TV rights for the period 2023-2026 .
The League hopes to exceed the bar of 100 million euros in annual rights for the first time in its history in the wake of a World Cup played in France.
And does not intend to alienate a historical partner.
The first "victim" of this change of schedule, the meeting between Racing 92 and La Rochelle.
Initially scheduled this Sunday evening, this late match will finally be played at 2:15 p.m. on the same day.
“People on social media say rugby is a filler.
I would rather say that we are an adjustment variable, explains to the Parisian the general manager of the Hauts-de-Seine club, Patrick Serrière.
After all, this is normal, we are not No. 1.
We are not going to take offense.
"
The new Top 14 lineup
Friday 8:45 p.m.:
the third choice on Canal + Sport or Canal + Sport weekend
Saturday 2:45 p.m.:
the second choice on Canal +
Saturday 5:45 pm:
the multiplex of four meetings on Canal + Sport
Saturday 7:55 pm:
the Canal Rugby Club in clear on Canal +
Saturday 9:05 p.m .:
the main poster of the day on Canal +
