Sponsors recommit to French Rugby Federation

The French Rugby Federation (FFR) has extended deals with three long-serving Official Partners, as well as ball supplier Gilbert, through to the 2023-24 season.

The agreement covers the federation, the national teams and amateur clubs with insurance group GMF having backed the FFR since 1985 and banking group Société Générale since 1987. The support of telco Orange and sports equipment manufacturer Gilbert dates back to 1999.

The new contract period encompasses the 2023 World Cup, which France will host, and the four companies will act as the first supporters of the national team for the tournament.

The FFR boasts six Official Partners, with Société Générale, GMF and Orange now locked down until 2024, alongside sportswear company Le Coq Sportif and industrial services group Altrad. German automotive manufacturer BMW is the sixth partner.

Bernard Laporte, president of the FFR, said: “I am pleased with this renewal, which will allow us to work together until 2024 for the development of rugby, with the common goal of modernising our sport.”