News & Insight
Posted on March 31, 2025
By Two Circles
Two Circles has been appointed by the Ligue Nationale de Rugby (LNR) for the media rights distribution of the TOP 14, PRO D2, and In Extenso SUPERSEVENS, as well as the international marketing of the TOP 14 through to the end of the 2031/32 season. The international sports marketing business was selected by the LNR Board of Directors following a consultation launched in December 2024.
This long-term agreement aligns with the ambitions outlined in the LNR’s 2023–2027 strategic plan, aiming to boost the international appeal of the TOP 14 and drive significant revenue through increased global visibility. The seven-year partnership reflects a shared commitment between the LNR and Two Circles to build a coherent and ambitious long-term international strategy.
Two Circles will support the LNR by delivering a marketing plan designed to increase awareness and grow the global audience for the TOP 14. This includes distributing the media rights of all LNR competitions to international broadcasters and developing an innovative OTT platform using its StayLive technology, accessible in territories not covered by broadcasting agreements.
The international marketing and sales plan will leverage the 250+ foreign international players from over 20 nations currently competing in French leagues every weekend, including more than 100 who featured in the most recent Rugby World Cup.
Finally, this international ambition will be further supported by the expertise of the CANAL+ group, a key partner in the global expansion of the TOP 14, who will produce audiovisual content for the international market. This will include four matches per day with English-language commentary and presentation, as well as additional content featuring the many international stars playing in the French professional leagues.
Yann Roubert, LNR Chairman : “The TOP 14 is a unique and attractive asset that’s generating increasing interest around the world. This partnership with Two Circles will enable us to take a new step forward in our international development, raising the profile of the TOP 14, as well as the PRO D2 and In Extenso SUPERSEVENS, to an even wider audience.”
Emmanuel Eschalier, LNR Chief Executive Officer : “By opting for a long-term partnership with Two Circles, we’re clearly asserting our desire to build a solid, lasting international strategy for our three championships. This collaboration fits in perfectly with our existing system, notably thanks to the synergy with CANAL+, whose expertise guarantees a high level of quality across all content broadcast internationally.”
Gareth Balch, CEO & Co-founder of Two Circles : “The TOP 14 is one of the world’s most prestigious leagues and has all the ingredients to attract and engage an ever-growing international audience. We’re thrilled to be working alongside the LNR to accelerate its international development, drawing on our strength in global media distribution capabilities, streaming technology and marketing expertise. We share the League’s ambitious vision and look forward to supporting this international growth journey.”
About the LNR (French National Rugby League) : The LNR is a major institution in the French sporting landscape, responsible for the management and development of professional rugby in France. Created in 1998 in the wake of rugby’s transition to the professional era, the LNR has played a key role in the professionalisation and expansion of French rugby. The LNR organises and manages professional rugby competitions in France, notably the TOP 14, Pro D2 and In Extenso SUPERSEVENS, promotes professional competitions and exploits the commercial rights. It also represents French clubs at international level and plays an active role in negotiations with international bodies to defend the interests of French rugby.
For further information contact:
Thibault Brugeron
Public Relations
thibault.brugeron@lnr.fr
Eliza MacQuillan
Marketing Executive
eliza.macquillan@twocircles.com
