5 million in cumulative or an average of 1

The final of the Top 14 is happening tomorrow at the France stage, between Biarritz (budget: EUR 8.5 million), the holding of the title of France champion, at the Toulouse Stadium (budget: EUR 17.1 million), should be full of the 80,000 spectators and a revenue estimated at EUR 3 million. It is a beautiful success for the League national rugby (LNR) and its President, Serge Blanco, who knew how to impose the competition format in single hen, as in football, despite the reluctance of some leaders of clubs in the nostalgic Southwest "parties to the former" aggressive, and "third half" réconciliatrices. "Resources for clubs are increasing by 15 and is threatened with demotion because of budget deficit," said Patrick Wolff, Vice President of the NRL, whose budget will increase from 15 to EUR 36 million for the season 2006-2007 next. "The hearing Canal TV is up more than 50 and in stages there is an increase of 26 of the audience." "Mayonnaise has taken", said Bruno Molinas, Director of Sportys, a subsidiary of Havas, the marketing agency in charge of the sponsorship of the League which already harvesting the fruits of its policy. "Behind Orange, the main sponsor, official partner program is closed with the signing of four major companies (Group, Société Générale, PMU, EDF) and a ticket negotiated from 1.5 million."

-Side vendors, the NRL has signed contracts with Gedimat, Viacom, Europcar, Gilbert, Canal ... for a variable amount located in the range of 300,000 to 700,000 euros according to the terms of the agreement. "On research of other companies in the field of computer science, the automotive sector, including transport", says Manager.

The indicators of the clubs are "good", although the report of the National Directorate of aid and control of management (DNACG) of the NRL season 2004-2005 shows a deficit of operation of 4 million and a loss of 3.5 million reduced to 1.7 million if it does not take into account the specific case of Grenoble placed in receivership at the end of the season past.

The arrival of foreign players

It is roughly the same situation as in 2003-2004, where deficits were of, respectively, 2.1 million and $ 4.6 million. Revenues are increasing, including station sponsorship (7), and grants to clubs (8). For this last position, the report notes, however is to temper by the possible transfer of benefits to the public authorities. There is also a large increase of 22 of the benefits of receptive of the partners of the clubs. The other satisfaction concerns the equity clubs, which increased significantly by 30 to 10.5 million in cumulative, or an average of 1.16 million per club. It is the direct consequence of the establishment of a reserve fund, fed by capital increases. "This initiative imposed by the League was highly criticised by club leaders, today they are satisfied," said Patrick Wolff.

The black point concerns the salaries of the players, who according to the report of the DNACG soared from 49 in five years: the payroll of the elite clubs increased from 2.8 million in 2001-2002 to 4.3 million per club this season. "But there is a large distortion, there are few who can engage in a costly wage policy as to football", analyses the Vice-President of the League. While in the period of transfer, which takes place from May 5 to July 2 full swing, the leader noted a massive influx of foreign players (Italians including), over the training of young professionals, "Apart from the Toulouse Stadium." Average wages is around 8,000 euros, the stars of the Top 14 related around the 20,000 monthly gross euros. It is very far from the football. "The amount of the average turnover of the clubs of the rugby elite is 7.5 million, against 35 million to their counterparts in the Ligue 1 football." "But in terms of financial ratio, rugby is draws much better with an average 300,000 euros for the Top 14 clubs, from 1.8 million to those of the L1", described a report by cabinet Advent ("the team" from April 13).

Design stages

For these experts, the Ovalie can claim snack football market share. "Provided that the sport depend more on too generous patrons and that clubs build real projects," said Patrick Wolff. It is the case of the Toulouse Stadium while projects are underway in Lyon (with LOU), Marseille and Paris (with Metro Racing supported by Foncia). This means also a bold policy of renovation of stages. "Perpignan multiplied by three its revenues with the modernization of its equipment", said Bruno Molinas. Time is also in the work at Biarritz, Montpellier, Agen, Clermont-Ferrand. "Overall, there is the rise of rugby as an economic force," notes the Advent Office. The world next year, in France, should confirm this development.