French clubs top European cash league

IN A report which underlines just why the Top 14 is capable of attracting the best players from all over the world, it has been revealed 11 of the biggest clubs in Europe in terms of revenue are French.

Reigning Top 14 champions and four-time Heineken Cup winners Toulouse unsurprisingly occupy top spot in the analysis published by the Sports Business Group at Deloitte, having generated €33.5 million during the season before last (2009/10).

French champions Clermont Auvergne are second on €23.8m, just ahead of Leicester Tigers, whose high standing (€22.6m) is down to the fact they boast the highest average attendance (21,096) of Europe’s elite.