Driven by a unifying project, the [Stade Niçois](https://www.stadenicois.fr/) leads its group in the federal 3 division at the end of the first-round matches. This ranking aligns with the goals set by the leaders and technical staff. Financially supported by the municipality, this club with a glorious past aims to shine again on the rugby scene.
Seven wins, one loss, one draw—the Stade Niçois has an almost perfect record after the first part of the season. Bolstered by the arrival of seven players in the off-season, the Nice squad is among the favorites for promotion. Expected to be the frontrunner in their [group](https://www.rugbyfederal.com/Resultats/federale-3/poule/10/jour/100.html) by their opponents, the Azur club fights in every game.
Four places are available to compete for promotion playoffs to federal 2. A perfectly attainable goal for coach Grégory Baldacchino’s men. Last season, Nîmes proved a fatal obstacle in the second playoff round. This year, the club could face the ogre Saint-Etienne, recently administratively relegated from Pro D2.
This prospect doesn’t scare Grégory Baldacchino: “We are competitors; we try to see things differently. The goal is to go as far as possible. We must beat any team, but by finishing first in the group, we would avoid Saint-Etienne in the playoffs. We are aware of that.”
Former youth coach at RC Toulon, the Nice coach has a rich playing history. Already a charismatic leader of his various teams, Gregory Baldacchino notes the difference between last season’s group and this year’s: “Last year, Nîmes beat us, we weren’t ready, we didn’t have the same squad, nor sufficient preparation, all the criteria weren’t in place to be promoted. This year, we have a better team, even though nothing is settled.” A lucid and relevant assessment of a club in full reconstruction, situated in a region not particularly passionate about the oval ball.
A trainer by profession, Gregroy Baldacchino, who arrived at the start of last season, is satisfied with the five-year project combining sporting ambitions and administrative sustainability.
In the bright lights of the late 70s, Stade Niçois now rebuilds in the shadows. Shaped by past mistakes, the club modestly raises its eyes toward the future.
