The French Rugby Federation has decided. Biarritz stays in Pro D2. This decision confirms the relegation of Stade Niçois to Nationale 1, despite the uncertainties that have lingered in recent weeks.
The appeal commission of the French Rugby Federation delivered its decision this Friday. The Biarritz Olympique, temporarily relegated for financial reasons, will indeed play in Pro D2 next season. The retention of the Basque club definitively seals the fate of Stade Niçois, last in the championship, as they drop to Nationale 1.
Biarritz had been administratively relegated in May, by decision of the Rugby Regulatory Authority (A2R). Budgetary irregularities had been identified. However, the club secured 750,000 euros to ensure its survival, thanks to several local partners and the investment fund Otium, led by Pierre-Edouard Stérin.
The latter fronted the majority of the amount and provided 2.7 million euros in guarantees to reassure the authorities. The city council still needs to vote on additional support. A general meeting scheduled for June 27 could clarify the future shareholding structure of BO.
“We are very proud and relieved by this decision. It is the culmination of significant collective effort,” said Cyril Arrosteguy, chairman of the board of the Biarritz club. Nevertheless, BO will start the season with three points deducted. The club accepts this sanction, “fully aware of the sporting challenge.”
In Nice, silence and resignation
For Stade Niçois, the confirmation of Biarritz’s retention ends a hope born from the administrative instability of BO. Nice finished last in Pro D2 despite a victory on the last day against US Dax. Since February, the club was preparing for relegation. But the appeal procedure of BO had suspended the official confirmation of the standings.
Three scenarios were considered. The retention of Biarritz means direct relegation for Nice. A first reversal could have saved them since in playoff battles, Stade Niçois could have stayed up. For this it was necessary for Stade Aurillacois to remain by beating SO Chambéry in the final for relegation. An achievement managed by the Auvergnats somewhat against all odds.
The Azurean club, recently managed by Jean-Baptiste Aldigé, former president of Biarritz Olympique, has not yet wished to comment on this decision. A coincidence that hasn’t gone unnoticed: it was against BO that Nice had sealed their sporting relegation.
The management has already been reshuffled. Gareth Baber, accompanied by Barry Maddocks and Emiliano Bergamaschi, will take charge of the team at the start of the new season. Several player extensions and departures have been announced, which we will return to later in the summer. The ambitions remain intact, despite an uncertain context.
For now, the focus turns to the upcoming season. In Nationale 1, Stade Niçois will need to bounce back in an ever more competitive championship.
