Rugby. The XV of France could leave the Stade de France: a future in the provinces?

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What if the XV of France left the Stade de France? The idea seems very real, despite the great enthusiasm generated during the meetings this November 2024.

The Dyonisian venue welcomed 193,000 spectators during the 3 matches against Japan, the All Blacks and Argentina. Which constitutes a record for an entire fall tour of the XV of France. “To see that we are so followed, it only creates happiness,” he rejoiced withAt the time of Rugby the 2^e Lyon international line, Mickaël Guillard.

A very expensive contract

But on an economic level, this enthusiasm does not necessarily generate the hoped-for effects. The contract between the FFR and the consortium that manages the Stade de France is very expensive.

“A match like the one against Japan is great, but with 50,000 spectators we lose money at the Stade de France whereas we would gain money in the provinces,” lamented Florian Grill, the president of the FFR, with of South West.

This contract expires at the end of 2024. Two candidates responded to the call for tenders for the new 30-year concession for the Stade de France. Vinci-Bouygues, which holds the current contract, faces the GL Events group, an events giant. The FFR, for its part, would not be convinced by either of the two offers.

Les Bleus towards Marseille and Lyon?

Faced with rather delicate financial health at the FFR, Florian Grill clearly does not want to do anything regarding the Blues' matches. Above all, he advocates solid economic foundations, even if it means leaving the Stade de France to play in the provinces.

Marseille and Lyon, with 67,000 and 59,000 places respectively, are the two options that stand out. “Marseille is a real alternative: a slightly smaller gauge, but much lower costs. Lyon also has serious arguments,” admits Florian Grill.

And in 2024, the XV of France was able, due to the work carried out at the Stade de France for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, to measure the effects of “relocation” to the provinces. The Vélodrome and the Groupama Stadium were sold out.

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