The opticians Optic 2000 has become “major partner of the French rugby federation, the two players announced on Monday, auguring well for the federation’s search for sponsors in the face of a deteriorating economic situation. Optic 2000 becomes “three years a second-tier sponsor of the FFR, below the jersey sponsors (Altrad, Renault, Société Générale, Adidas). This will mean visibility in the stadiums where the men’s, women’s and Under-20 French national teams play, as well as in stores, according to a joint press release.

This partnership “proves the appeal of rugby”.said Florian Grill, President of the FFR. The question of sponsors had been raised during the federal campaign which ended in October, following the departure of insurer GMF in January 2024. GMF, the federation’s long-standing partner since 1985, had decided not to extend its partnership due to a change in the fee structure for sponsors. However, the French rugby federation is in the red financially, weighed down in particular by the deficit linked to the organization of the 2023 World Cup and the non-payment of several instalments by the former equipment manufacturer, Le Coq sportif.

The signing of a new sponsor also provides some reassurance after a summer in which rugby’s image was tarnished by the racist comments made by XV de France fullback Melvyn Jaminet and the indictment for rape of Hugo Auradou and Oscar Jegou during the tour of Argentina. The two players, who have returned to France and played again with their club in the Top 14, are awaiting the decision of the Argentinean judges after the prosecutor’s case was dismissed. This partnership will enable “amplify” actions “in favor of the inclusion of visually and hearing impaired people”.via the FFR endowment fund, the press release also states.