The front page transforms the essay. After winning the broadcasting rights for the 2023 Rugby World Cup, TF1 won, at the same time, the three matches of the fall tour of the French XV. And to consolidate its position as titular broadcaster of the Blues, the first channel has decided to replace François Trillo and Benjamin Kayser, its duo of commentators in place since 2019, for another, report our colleagues from Rugby Rama.
Stefan Etcheverry, a return to his roots
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For those who follow rugby on TV, the name Stefan Etcheverry necessarily says something. Born in 1973 in Vienna, Austria, little Stefan grew up in Saint-Jean-de-Luz, in the Basque Country, land of ovals. He even played rugby at a high level, joining the Austrian national team, before taking another path, that of sports journalism.
For fifteen years, he commented on rugby on Canal+, and notably hosted “En route pour Beijing”, during the Olympic Games in China in 2008. But it is on another channel of the Canal group, iTélé, that Stefan Etcheverry will make people talk about him with his offbeat reports, particularly on the start of the school year or during the baccalaureate.
He subsequently became a morning worker on BFMTV then LCI before occupying the position of columnist in Bruce Toussaint’s morning show on TF1 “Hello! “. Last year, Stefan Etcheverry reconnected with his first love, by constituting the second pair of commentators on the front page during the Rugby World Cup in France.
Thomas Lombard, a child of the oval
For those who go or have been to the stadium to see a rugby match, the name Thomas Lombard also necessarily says something. Born in 1975 in Chesnay, in Yvelines, little Thomas rose through the ranks to become a professional rugby player. Playing as a center or winger, he has worn the jersey of Racing Club de France, Stade Français, Worcester Warriors and Racing Métro 92. He has 4 French championship titles and no less than 12 caps.
After hanging up his crampons, Thomas Lombard successfully turned to the media. During the Rugby World Cup in 2007, he joined RMC where he was a columnist in various broadcasts, then a commentator on matches for the French XV.
In addition to radio, the Paris region has made a place for itself on television. He joined the Canal+ group where he participated in numerous programs around rugby and even became the number 1 commentator on the encrypted channel in Top 14, during the 2012-2013 season. He generally comments on duo meetings with Éric Bayle.
In 2019, he left Canal+ to become general manager of Stade français, a club where he was a player. Finally, on the occasion of the 2023 Rugby World Cup, he became a consultant for TF1 and comments as a “substitute duo” of the Trillo-Kayserdes tandem on matches with… Stefan Etcheverry.
A “seasoned duo”
The replacements therefore become regulars on TF1. Stefan Etcheverry and Thomas Lombars will comment on the performances of Fabien Galthié’s men against Japan (November 9), New Zealand (November 16) and Argentina (November 22). “It’s a seasoned duo,” Julien Millereux, sports director of Unes, told Rugbyrama. He will be accompanied by Christian Califano who will be our field man. »
Finally, note that Isabelle Ithurburu, also a former Canal journalist, will analyze the Blues’ performances on the pitch after each match. Let the matches begin!
