This Thursday evening, Brive will be able to count on the English international second row Courtney Lawes against Oyonnax. A clash between promotion contenders that sets the tone. With British stars ready to embark on the Pro D2 adventure this year, It is clear that the French second division has the wind in its sails.
In the opinion of Jean-Baptiste Aldigé via Midi Olympique, lTop-of-the-table clubs can now compete with Celtic League teams and even some English sides in terms of wages.
However, the former president of Biarritz Olympique, now in office in Nice, points out a striking reality: “on average a jiff player, not to say French, prefers to be the 3th in the position in a Top 14 team that the 1is at the post in Pro D2.”
Why this preference? According to Aldigé, the new distribution of TV rights, now set at 70% for the Top 14 and 30% for the Pro D2, has exacerbated this phenomenon.
Top 14 clubs have more financial meanswhich allows them to offer more attractive contracts even for players who will not necessarily be undisputed starters.”He prefers money to playing time…“. Even if it means having to wait until the executives are resting or in selection to be on a match sheet.
The Pro D2, despite its growth, remains a development division in the minds of many. Some have managed to profit from it through loans. No one has forgotten Thomas Ramos’ time at Colomiers before his triumphant return to the elite at Toulouse.
For ambitious young players or those looking to relaunch their career, The lure of the Top 14 remains irresistibleEven if they have to settle for a substitute role, the prestige and media exposure of the Top 14 often outweigh the promise of playing time in Pro D2.
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