French Twitch streamer secures Premiership Rugby broadcast rights
French Twitch streamer Florian Marliere has secured the rights to broadcast the remainder of the Premiership Rugby season, beginning with Friday’s clash between Bath and Saracens.
The online content creator, whose Janusport outlet boasts around 11,000 subscribers, confirmed he paid a five-figure sum for the exclusive agreement.
This innovative deal also includes an option to extend coverage into the 2026-27 campaign.
Innovative approach to French market
English top-flight rugby was previously shown on Bein Sport, but selling the product across the Channel has proven difficult due to the entrenched loyalties of France’s domestic fans.
Providing commentary in vision, a standard practice on the gaming-focused platform, the independent broadcaster hopes to reconnect local supporters with the English game.
“It all stems from frustration, that a rugby fan like myself, can no longer watch this exciting competition.”
Speaking to French newspaper L’Equipe, Marliere admitted the project is driven by passion rather than immediate financial gain.
“Honestly, the idea isn’t to make money with this project; we’ll probably even lose some. But I hope that the increased visibility will lead to side projects that might be more profitable.”
Growing trend in sports streaming
The ambitious Frenchman joins a growing list of independent creators securing live sports rights, following similar free-to-air broadcasts in football and the French Pro D2.
Premiership Rugby has already experienced success with digital streams, attracting six-figure audiences for recent cup fixtures between Leicester and Northampton.
Ollie Lewis, the league’s head of broadcast, welcomed the partnership as a vital tool to innovate and reach modern global audiences.
“Our vision is to become the best league in the world and we look forward to bringing viewers in France unmissable, free-to-air coverage across Twitch and YouTube.”
