Will professional Rugby League in France ever switch to summer like Super League?

[Highway1]

Discuss.

 

[ParraEelsNRL]

It has been mentioned before, but I can't see it happening.

Way too hot.

 

[Highway1]

If they insist on a winter season, then I can't see how France ever being competitive again. If it's too hot, they can always schedule matches during the night; but in saying that, I'm not too savvy in French culture.

TV wise, could be the best thing that could happen as French rugby league isn't competing against many pro sports, as far as I'm aware.

If it worked for the UK, surely it'll work for France.

 

[VictoryFC]

If they insist on a winter season, then I can't see how France ever being competitive again. If it's too hot, they can always schedule matches during the night; but in saying that, I'm not too savvy in French culture.

TV wise, could be the best thing that could happen as French rugby league isn't competing against many pro sports, as far as I'm aware.

If it worked for the UK, surely it'll work for France.

At the same time, SL still faces a lot of competition from cricket, tennis, golf, motor racing, cycling, soccer off season... all of which pull in greater media interest.

The big difference between France and England (as far as I can tell) is that at least in England the game has a solid base which it can always rely and fall back on. And it uses this base to stay successful and to prosper. Is there such a place in France?

 

[miguel de cervantes]

Too hot in the south of France in summer. The climate is similar to south-eastern Australian summers with days often in the 30°s and up to 40° or more.

It's probably why the Dragons manage to pull in so many Brits too. Toulouse would more than likely not get the travelling beach goer pom if they ever joined SL.

 

[roughyedspud]

play in the evening........either way they need to move to summer

 

[adamkungl]

What are the benefits of moving to summer?

 

[roughyedspud]

in line with us and you...

 

[bobmar28]

If French rugby league is played in summer then League around the world will be played at the same time. I think that is an advantage.

 

[Wilson1]

play in the evening........either way they need to move to summer

I bet its still very hot at 7 at night. To me, it would only make sense to make the switch if the French league actually became fully professional like the super league. Otherwise what is the point?

 

[Highway1]

I had a brief look on the climates of southern France cities and Northern Australia cities and I must say, the climates of Southern France in a summer and Northern Australia in a winter are not too dissimilar. As we all know the North Queensland Cowboys nrl team manage these climates by playing at night, so why can't French rugby league clubs do it?

 

[Highway1]

At the same time, SL still faces a lot of competition from cricket, tennis, golf, motor racing, cycling, soccer off season... all of which pull in greater media interest.

The big difference between France and England (as far as I can tell) is that at least in England the game has a solid base which it can always rely and fall back on. And it uses this base to stay successful and to prosper. Is there such a place in France?

You're right VictoryFC, playing rugby league in a summer can somehow be comprimised by having to compete against massive sports events such as the Tour de France and French open tennis. But in saying that, I don't think plaing during in summer will be anyworse than playing in winter, in regards to attendances, media attention and prospering.