Asked by Le Figaro, the president of the FFR, Bernard Laporte, gives a full update on the news of his sport: the green light from the French government for the holding of the Tournament, the losses caused by the camera, the great suffering of amateur rugby, the he providential arrival of the CVC investment fund … And the ambitions of a French XV in full revival.
Extracts:
What is the shortfall for the FFR to play the Tournament without an audience?
It’s an odd year, so we only receive two times instead of three. It is therefore, in quotes, less damaging than compared to an even year. Fortunately, there are the TV rights, which are between 16 and 18 million euros. But you actually lose everything that is ticketing, hospitality. Or around 10-12 million on the Tournament (27 M € since the start of the pandemic, Editor’s note).
Hence the need to find an investor. You have spoken in favor of the arrival of CVC Capital Partners investment fund which wishes to acquire part of the commercial rights of the Tournament and the autumn tour for 360 million euros over five years, to be shared between the federations concerned (with a potential bonus of € 67 million if certain performance objectives are reached, Editor’s note) ?
It would be a good thing indeed. When they launched the idea of taking over the Tournament, two years ago, there was no Covid. And we already agreed because, the more we pool our rights, the better we sell them. Above all, they are professionals. It’s their job, not ours. When we saw what CVC did in Formula 1 or in other sports, we were delighted that they were interested in rugby. We are even more so today because, because of the Covid, revenues have fallen and the Federations are finding themselves in difficulty. Fortunately, the French Federation is strong. But not all of them can claim it. So it’s good that CVC comes in. Because there is a real shortfall due to this crisis.
It seems on the right track …
Yes, yes, on very good track.
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