French National Rugby League Committee Terminates TV Contract With Canal+

The director of the French National Rugby League (LNR) Committee "decided to terminate its exclusive contract with Canal+," which would have offered €65M ($88M) per season, according to Cyrille Haddouche of LE FIGARO. A tender on TV rights for the next four seasons "will be launched." Canal+ will encounter competition as beIN Sport "is entering the race." The LNR Committee director on Monday announced his decision "to break its exclusivity agreement with Canal+," as permitted through a clause in the contract, by Dec. 31. (LE FIGARO, 12/2). TELECOM PAPER reported the current provider, Canal+, "has a contract to broadcast Top 14 matches through 2015-2016 and will have to bid again." Int'l rights "will be tendered separately at a later date." BeIN Sport already carries the Aviva Premiership, Super League and National Rugby League in France (TELECOM PAPER, 12/3).