The LNR, the organizer of the top two divisions of French club rugby union, has hired the Two Circles agency to distribute the media rights and international marketing of its properties for the next seven years.
Two Circles won the contract following a consultation launched in December 2024, with the LNR looking to boost viewership of Top 14 and increase revenue through a long-term strategy.
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The deal will see Two Circles distribute the international rights of the top-tier Top14 and second-tier Pro D2, as well as rugby sevens competition In Extenso Supersevens through the 2031-32 season, as well as develop an over-the-top platform using its StayLive technology, which will be accessible in territories not covered by broadcast agreements.
It will also deliver the LNR’s marketing plan to increase awareness and grow the global audience for Top14, leveraging the more than 250 international players from over 20 nations competing in French rugby leagues.
Gareth Balch, Two Circles chief executive and co-founder, said: “The Top14 is one of the world’s most prestigious leagues and has all the ingredients to attract and engage an ever-growing international audience.
“We’re thrilled to be working alongside the LNR to accelerate its international development, drawing on our strength in global media distribution capabilities, streaming technology, and marketing expertise.”
International pay-TV broadcaster Canal Plus will produce audiovisual content for the international market, including four matches per day with English-language commentary and presentation, as well as additional content featuring international stars playing in the leagues.
LNR chief executive Emmanuel Eshalier said: “By opting for a long-term partnership with Two Circles, we’re clearly asserting our desire to build a solid, lasting international strategy for our three championships.
“This collaboration fits in perfectly with our existing system, notably thanks to the synergy with Canal+, whose expertise guarantees a high level of quality across all content broadcast internationally.”
The partnership comes shortly after Two Circles was hired by the Cricket Australia national governing body to amplify its commercial approach. The company is also in charge of selling broadcast and commercial rights for the 2025-30 cycle of European soccer's UEFA Women’s Champions League, following a tie-up with UEFA last June.
A broadcast rights tender for that competition, across Europe and Asia, was conducted in January.
The agency, meanwhile, is also a strategic partner of the Grand Slam Track athletics property created by Michael Johnson, set to launch next month, and has been brokering the league’s broadcast deals to this point.
