French sportswear company Le Coq Sportif has reportedly agreed a deal to become the new kit supplier of the French national rugby union team.
The RMC Sport website reported that Le Coq Sportif has signed a six-year partnership with the French Rugby Federation (FFR). The deal would run from 2018 to 2024.
Le Coq Sportif would replace German sportswear giant Adidas as the team’s kit supplier. Adidas has supplied France’s kit since 2012.
According to RMC Sport, the FFR chose to partner with Le Coq Sportif ahead of US manufacturer Under Armour, which had also expressed an interest.
RMC Sport’s report added that the FFR is “a few weeks” from agreeing a deal for a new shirt sponsor for the national team.
The Altrad Group, which sells and hires out equipment for the building and construction industry, in March became the first jersey sponsor of the French national team.
The agreement will run through to November 15, when the World Rugby governing body is due to select the World Cup host, rights to which France is contesting. The FFR is seeking to market shirt sponsorship rights from 2018.