Nicolas Larrat on the package General Saint-Gaudens, was there no alternative?
We were faced with a real casual. At 48 hours of the recovery of a competition, it does not decide to go down in level. A few years back, they could succeed. I am not convinced Whether it's just a staffing problem. They had also not filed any application for a license.
The Federation did not give. A new kind?
Saint-Gaudens did not understand that the Elite was changing. It is about credibility. We can always discuss with the Federation. Carpentras is the case that told us of his difficulties and asked to come down in level. But we were on time. Now, Saint-Gaudens has ruined the start of the competition, that's a shame.
Exactly, how do you feel after the first two days?
I feel that this championship is an interesting dimension. The strategy of each other can be ambitious. We're going to meet a fascinating competition.
There is still the risk of recruiting foreign clubs to excess ...
Foreigners must be better than the championship of France. There is a freedom at this level until an alignment is done. The real issue is the quality of these players. Foreigners give an appeal to the competition, is an escalator if it still preserves training. I believe that a young French can only grow in contact with very good foreign.
On television, where are you with Orange?
We arrive at the end of our contract with Orange (at the end of international matches). The situation is not clarified in their homes, their future is not fixed.
XIII and the future of the small screen?
I met the deputy director of the sports department of France Television, Sven Lescuyer in Paris. They were satisfied with the impact of the championship final broadcast on France 3 Sud. The channel will also broadcast France-Scotland, October 29 at Perpignan. It is envisaged the finals with them. But other broadcasters appear. Contacts are made, it moves in the right direction with this idea to offer a product 'Rugby League', with the Dragons. We must reach to build on the TV rights to stop paying as before almost 300,000 euros per year.
About the team of France did you put a lot of pressure on the players ...
Yes. The campaign can be critical for some players, in view of the World Cup. But it is also an important appointment for framing. They will be judged at the end of this campaign of four games. If the results are to go, it will be any benefit to them. Otherwise, there will be time to consider something else.
