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The 1980s were a turning point in the history of rugby, intensified by its development into a sporting spectacle through the public broadcaster and the sacking of one of the sport’s legendary French sportscasters. This changing media and sporting landscape provoked strong reactions and decisive stances. These exchanges demonstrate the difficulties experienced by the world of rugby in entering the professional era, and the emotional and cultural attachment of spectators with a program and type of public broadcasting. During this watershed moment, when rugby became fully aware of the changes taking place within it, defending or criticizing a sportscaster or a style of commentary represented a fight for a certain idea of rugby.