Maintained in Pro D2 by the FFR Appeals Commission this Friday, August 7, Nissa Rugby obtained the necessary financial guarantees to continue the season. The Nice club must now turn its attention to the field and prepare for its return to competition.
The summer saga is coming to an end for Nissa Rugby. After several weeks of uncertainty surrounding the club’s future, the Appeals Commission of the French Rugby Federation (FFR) validated the presence of the Nice club in Pro D2 for the 2026-2027 season.
The decision comes after the presentation of financial security of 4.6 million euros, requested by the Rugby Regulatory Authority (A2R). The reference shareholder Sport Inside Europe (SIE) ultimately agreed to guarantee this amount to secure next season’s budget.
This decision allows Nissa Rugby to escape the administrative demotion imposed at first instance. The club had been sanctioned following an examination of its financial situation. The Appeals Commission also reviewed the sporting sanction.
The withdrawal of five definitive points has been cancelled. The new decision provides for a withdrawal of two points with suspension for inconsistency and/or implausibility of the budget.
A new chapter for Nissa Rugby
After several weeks devoted to financial discussions and relations with the municipality, the priority now returns to sport. Nissa Rugby can prepare its second season in Pro D2 without having to wait for a new administrative decision.
However, the situation remains marked by the tensions that opposed the club’s management, the players and the municipality. The main issue focused particularly on the guarantees necessary to secure the budget presented to the French rugby authorities.
A solution was ultimately found between the reference shareholder and the City of Nice. According to the details communicated around this agreement, the municipality committed to building a permanent stand of approximately 4,000 seats within the next two years. The facility should notably enable the development of hospitality operations.
Éric Ciotti confirmed this direction. The Mayor of Nice speaks of “tremendous relief for the club, its players, its management, its supporters and all rugby lovers in Nice.” The municipality also intends to maintain its level of support for the club for the upcoming season.
The project timeline must now become clearer. Éric Ciotti announces the filing of a building permit “as early as September” for this new 4,000-seat stand. The facility should integrate into the future 12,000-seat stadium project, whose complete implementation would be linked to a possible promotion to the Top 14.
A first appointment in Biarritz
Remaining in Pro D2 also allows confirmation of the sporting schedule. Nissa Rugby will begin its season Thursday, August 27 in Biarritz.
The match will have a particular dimension. Jean-Baptiste Aldigé, former president of the Basque club, is called to resume the presidency of Nissa Rugby following the next general assembly. The executive had left his position in Nice in the context of the financial crisis before remaining reference shareholder through Sport Inside Europe.
For Nissa Rugby, the challenge is now to quickly shift from administrative crisis to competition. The players and staff have visibility on the upcoming season. The withdrawal of two points with suspension is the main sporting consequence of the procedure.
The situation at Nissa Rugby will also have consequences for the championship. The maintenance of the Nice club means that Mont-de-Marsan will not be reprieved in Pro D2. The competition schedule therefore remains unchanged.
After several weeks of uncertainty, Nissa Rugby can now focus on its sporting objective. Remaining in Pro D2 is secured. What remains is to build on this, with financial stability, the new stand project and results on the field as the next milestones.
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