Setanta secures right to France’s Top 14

24 September 2009 | By Adam Fraser

Contract summary

Length of contract: 1 year
Annualised value: US$1 million
Overall value: US$1 million

Setanta Sports has continued its recovery from the summer's collapse, securing the broadcast rights to the Top 14, France's top tier rugby union competition.

The broadcaster will screen the league throughout Ireland, starting this Saturday with Perpignan's game against Clermont Auvergne. Setanta will also broadcast a Top 14 highlights programme on Tuesdays.

Rugby union is one of France's most popular sports, especially in the south of the country, regularly attracting crowds of more than 50,000. The last World Cup was held in the country in 2007. The host nation reached the semi-final, but were beaten by eventual runners-up England.

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