ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Just how much money does it take to organise the Top 14 final? New study reveals a staggering amount

BY Stephen Brunsdon  ·  Friday Jun 14, 2019

The Ligue Nationale de Rugby, who preside over the French Top 14 competition, recorded an economic impact of over €16 million from last season’s final between Castres and Montpellier, according to the body’s financial report released this week.

ADVERTISEMENT

The estimated impact from visitors was average at around €9.5 million, while just over €4 million was spent between the LNR and the Consortium Stade de France (CSDF) on organising the final last June.

These are just some of the figures included in the study, which cast an intrigued eye over the actual cost of staging the competition’s stand-out event of the year and the demands placed on the participating teams, and supporters.

While there were no statistics recorded from Montpellier (last year’s beaten finalists), Castres recorded expenses of €880,000 – spent across accommodation, transport and food and drink. An equivalent figure was assumed for Montpellier.

The average spending of visitors specifically in Paris for the final was recorded at around €207.25, which with 87.4% arriving from outside the city, relates to nearly €8.5 million in worth when accommodation, travel and restauration are taken into account.

VIP spectators – a much smaller percentage of the demographic – typically spend around €500 over the weekend and contributed to €227,004 in the primary economic impact.

ADVERTISEMENT

Another area of study focused on the specific demographics of visitors, with the majority being males (nearly three-quarters). Female attendance was up by eight points on the 2017 final.

The spectators were largely older with 38% of males between the age of 35-54 years attending, while the largest female demographic being 10% in the same age bracket.

37% of spectators attended as part of a group of friends, while 54% went as a family.

The wider Paris area public transport was the most used method of getting to the stadium on matchday, with 63% of spectators electing to travel by metro, with 41% using a car.

ADVERTISEMENT

No doubt the revenue achieved from spectators, teams and organisers is a shot in the arm to the LNR as a whole, and puts some light onto just how much money is pumped into French rugby. It also places emphasis on exactly how expensive it can be to host and organise such a stand-out sporting event to a high standard.

This year’s final takes place on Saturday between Stade Toulousain and ASM Clermont Auvergne, two sides which have an almost cult supporter following. It is therefore expected that these numbers demonstrated will only increase as a result.

Related Articles

  • 58 WEEKS AGO

    Tickets now on sale as World XV set to face...

  • 58 WEEKS AGO

    '60 metres, plus change' - massive drop goal...

  • 58 WEEKS AGO

    Referee makes 'tackle of the season' as he...



ADVERTISEMENT

Great Tries

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    The Gallagher Premiership is back - A thrilling match at Tottenham

  • 12 WEEKS AGO

    Sensational score at the Stadio Olympico

  • 18 WEEKS AGO

    Flying frenchman scores tremendous try for Toulon

  • 18 WEEKS AGO

    Young England hopeful continues to impress with double against Stade Français

  • 19 WEEKS AGO

    Full throttle Premiership final rematch ends in heartache

View All

Big Hits & Dirty Play

  • 25 WEEKS AGO

    Wallabies wunderkind Sua'ali' and Scotland captain Tuipulotu clash

  • 26 WEEKS AGO

    Ireland 'steal' Argentina's opening try as debate rages

  • 28 WEEKS AGO

    WATCH: The biggest hit from week one of the Autumn Nations Series

  • 31 WEEKS AGO

    'Cheap shot' from Leicester Tigers vs Northampton Saints causing a stir online

  • 31 WEEKS AGO

    Wild moment leads to all in brawl during Welsh derby between Cardiff and Scarlets

View All

See It To Believe It

  • 13 WEEKS AGO

    'A few nuts and bolts out' - Eden Park streaker sheds boxers to achieve goal

  • 16 WEEKS AGO

    SHOCK results in the PWR keeps top four race thrilling

  • 19 WEEKS AGO

    Santiago Carreras scores a blinder in front of thrilled Kingsholm crowd

  • 20 WEEKS AGO

    Fans in awe as Kildunne finishes off STUNNING team try

  • 23 WEEKS AGO

    Supporters can't believe Saracens Sharp's UNBELIEVABLE finish

View All

Funnies

  • 13 WEEKS AGO

    'A few nuts and bolts out' - Eden Park streaker sheds boxers to achieve goal

  • 19 WEEKS AGO

    Nightmare blunder from Exeter winger as try goes wanting

  • 21 WEEKS AGO

    'A dog with a mallet up its arse could’ve written Johnny’s book' Donnacha O'Callaghan

  • 22 WEEKS AGO

    ‘The knee slide was too much’ - Ben Earl reflects on THAT viral moment

  • 23 WEEKS AGO

    U.S. Army Special Operations Sergeant Major makes big claim about rugby

View All

Amateur

  • 19 WEEKS AGO

    Nightmare blunder from Exeter winger as try goes wanting

  • 19 WEEKS AGO

    Santiago Carreras scores a blinder in front of thrilled Kingsholm crowd

  • 123 WEEKS AGO

    You Won’t See Many Better Than This Silky-Smooth Try From Llandovery RFC

  • 123 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes As Caldy RFC Hand Ealing First Championship Defeat Of The Season

  • 146 WEEKS AGO

    Dubious Score Decides Result Of Rugby's Biggest Schools Fixture

View All

Player Features

  • 14 WEEKS AGO

    The Capuozzo try that jump-started Italy's victory

  • 21 WEEKS AGO

    RugbyDump's top five backrows in 2024

  • 22 WEEKS AGO

    ‘The knee slide was too much’ - Ben Earl reflects on THAT viral moment

  • 23 WEEKS AGO

    Marcus Smith makes big call on his future

  • 26 WEEKS AGO

    'Eligible for England' - Fans react to South African star's contract announcement

View All