The Court of Auditors’ report dated 3 February 2026 on the financial situation of the French Rugby Federation highlights an institution emerging from a period of significant turbulence, but which has embarked on a serious and structured recovery process.
Covering the period 2018–2024, the analysis highlights both the persistent weaknesses of the business model and the significant progress observed in recent years(1).
The Court notes that the current situation stems largely from past decisions. Several poorly managed structural projects, combined with governance that was at times deficient, have permanently weakened the Federation’s finances. The deficits linked to the 2023 World Cup and the Pantin property project illustrate these missteps(2), which have contributed to a deterioration in cash flow and the establishment of a structural deficit.
Nevertheless, the report notes a shift in momentum since Florian Grill took the helm of the Federation three years ago. Governance is deemed to be “improving” (3), with a strengthening of checks and balances, ethical frameworks and better formalisation of decision-making procedures. These developments reflect a clear determination to break with certain past practices and restore the institution’s credibility.
On the sporting and regional front, the picture is more positive. The Court welcomes an increase of around 80,000 registered players over six years, bringing the total to nearly 360,000(4), a sign of French rugby’s renewed appeal. This momentum is underpinned by sporting performances, increased media exposure and investments made in clubs and regions, notably through technical initiatives and a marked effort to promote women’s participation in the sport.
The financial situation nevertheless remains under pressure in the short term. The Court describes the current balance as “worrying”, due to a still significant structural deficit and the planned end of certain exceptional resources (the exceptional revenue from CVC’s entry into the Six Nations Championship, which had been used to cover the deficit until 2023, is no longer sufficient to cover the structural imbalance and will cease in 2027)(5). However, it emphasises that the corrective measures undertaken are beginning to take effect, particularly in terms of cost control.
Above all, the five-year recovery plan drawn up by the Federation is deemed to be of “high quality”. Based on a credible path to a return to balance, it requires rigorous budgetary discipline and consistency in its implementation(6). Ultimately, the report does not paint a picture of a federation doomed to failure, but rather of an institution engaged in a decisive phase of recovery, possessing solid assets and genuine sporting momentum, provided that the efforts already undertaken are sustained.
Discover the news from:
- the Sports Law department