Rochelais debut in Élite 1

On Sunday, October 25, Canal+ Sport will broadcast the match between Stade Rochelais and LOU Rugby in Élite 1. This marks a special first day for the Rochelaises, who were promoted to the Élite 1 division last June.

Broadcast details for the match

The match between Stade Rochelais and LOU Rugby will be broadcast at 5:45 p.m. on Canal+ Sport, on the occasion of the first day of AXA Élite 1. This is a welcome exposure for the women's championship, which benefits from its proximity to the Top 14.

Programming strategy for the day

That day, Marcel-Deflandre will also host the match between La Rochelle and Bordeaux-Bègles at 9:05 p.m., for the seventh day of Top 14. Two matches in the same stadium, with a programming strategy thought by the FFR, the LNR, and the historical broadcaster of French rugby.

Rochelais' journey to Élite 1

This match has a particular flavor for the Maritimers. Champions of France in Élite 2 last June, after their victory against the Normandy Valkyries (13-10), the players of Alexandre Barès have moved up to the first division. They had previously failed in the final against Toulon a year earlier (14-12). This time, they have secured their ticket to the elite.

Canal+ initiative for women's rugby

The broadcast on Canal+ is part of an initiative launched since the 2024/2025 season. At that time, the FFR and the LNR had organized several women's matches around the Top 14 matches. The goal was already to take advantage of the major male events to familiarize supporters with the players of their club.

Record attendance for women's rugby

In November 2024, 18,885 spectators attended the match between ASM Romagnat and Stade Bordelais, scheduled after Clermont against UBB. This was a record attendance for the women's championship. Proof that a large audience can show up when the exposure conditions are met.

Challenges for Rochelais in Élite 1

For the Rochelaises, this day represents an opportunity to seduce the regulars of Deflandre, while presenting their team to the television audience. The sporting challenge will also be important against Lyon. After their promotion, the Maritimers will have to quickly find their bearings in a championship composed of ten teams.

Future prospects for Élite 1

It remains now to transform these eventful meetings into a more regular exposure. Because if the audiences and the stands follow, Élite 1 could gradually gain a more important place in the habits of supporters. And in La Rochelle, the Jaune et Noir will have two teams to support on the same Sunday.