As part of the operation, the league’s clubs will take part in charitable actions and fundraising, with player and referee shirts as well as match balls auctioned off, while an appeal for donations will be relayed through the teams’ digital platforms.

At the previous edition, devoted to the Restos du Cœur, 182,000 euros were raised. To mark the event, players will wear a special patch bearing the APF France handicap logo and a dedicated marking will be painted on the pitch for the Toulouse–La Rochelle match, set for Sunday 28 December at 9.05pm.

Pascale Ribes, the charity’s president, welcomed the partnership, expressing her “deep pride” at being able to raise awareness among Top 14 supporters of the fight for the rights and independence of people with disabilities, and to rally behind that cause the 45,000 members, volunteers and professionals who make up APF France handicap.

The choice follows on from the LNR’s wider social commitment, already begun with the professional game’s Plan Handicap, which aims to promote accessibility and inclusion across all French rugby structures.