The XV of France is eagerly awaited for the 6 nations tournament, which begins on Friday January 31. But did you know that in France we do not use its real name?
The 6 Nations tournament begins on January 31, at the Stade de France, with the match between the French team and the Wales. After a fall tour roundly led by the band of Antoine Dupont, with three beautiful victories, one against the prestigious team of New Zealand, the XV of France advances as one of the big favorites, even S ‘ It will be necessary to count once again on Ireland and England.
But do you know that the official name of the 6 nations tournament is different depending on the country? In France, the latter is different from that used in Anglosaxon countries and you can see it on the X account of the tournament in French. But the organizers made sure that the general public does not necessarily realize it. And it is successful since the real name of the tournament is quite unknown in France.
Internationally, the tournament is called “Guinness Six Nations” when in France, we call it “Greatness 6 Nations”. For what reason? Quite simply because “Guinness” obviously refers to the famous Irish brunette beer and that the Evin law, voted in France in 1991, stipulates that the sale, distribution and advertising of alcohol are “prohibited in stages, in Physical education rooms, gymnasiums and, in general, in all establishments of physical and sporting activity “.
Professional leagues and clubs operate active lobbying, supported by parliamentarians to try to change this law or allow a certain relaxation. The Ministry of Health refuses any questioning.
Problem: with this law, French leagues and clubs deprive themselves of several million euros that these advertisers could offer to display their brands on jerseys or in stadiums, whether for football, rugby or other sports . A real shortfall and unfair competition compared to countries which do not have the same constraints, especially England.
This choice is often described as strange or even hypocritical, because some have fun looking at the law with a little more precision. During the Rugby World Cup in France, the sale of alcohol and its consumption were allowed in the stadiums. A decision made based on paragraph 49-1-2 of the law. According to the legislator, the mayors or the prefects of the place where a sporting competition takes place, can, by decree, authorize the sale of alcohol in sports. This up to ten times a year and for a maximum duration of forty-eight hours.