French clubs face financial meltdown
A STARK warning has been issued to French rugby clubs, with the nation’s domestic league facing financial ruin, according salary cap watchdog, the DNACG.
Its boss, Dominique Debreyer, filed a 40-page financial report to clubs in early April, estimating the economic impact the coronavirus will have on clubs in the TOP 14 and PRO D2.
He estimated that nine Top 14 and seven PRO D2 clubs would not be able to pay their players without bailouts next season.
“We carried out our estimate for a drop in GDP of around 2 per cent,” Debrayer is quoted as saying by Rugbyrama.
“However, today, the State is rather talking about a fall of 6 per cent. We have also neglected the impact of the crisis on ticketing.
“Therefore, if we use our model and taking into account the player contracts already signed and which run over the next season, nine Top 14 and seven Pro D2 clubs will not be able to not present a budget that would allow them to hire for next year.”
The bleak picture is painted by the DNACG due to a prediction that the league will experience a 30 per cent drop in sponsorship.
“This is why it is important for professional rugby to initiate a common commercial policy. Otherwise, there will be very great damage,” Debrayer added.
■ Nick Abendanon is being forced to retire against his will be the impact of the coronavirus.
Coming to the end of a successful spell at Clermont Auvergne, the outside back had been hoping to impress in the final stages of the season in the bid to find a new club.
He was at advanced stage of securing a new employer when the virus hit and talks have since gone cold.
It leaves him staring at the prospect of walking away from the game before he’s ready.
“It’s difficult but at the end of June, I have to stop, I haven’t got a choice,” Abendanon told newspaper Midi Olympique.
“In my head, I hoped to play as much as possible at the end of the season to prove I was at this level and I deserved a contract at another club.
“It’s not at all my decision. There are things above us in life, events more important than your plans.
“I don’t feel ready to stop but I have to.
“I had contact with some clubs, discussions that were advanced. But everything went cold.
“Now, I have nothing.”