The news broke yesterday morning at the TGI of Nice, Rugby Nice Côte d’Azur is officially “liquidated.” All fears were therefore confirmed, and it’s a déjà vu situation that both regional and national rugby could have done without, reaching its conclusion in the corridors of the Nice courthouse. And now?
Immediately, the city of Nice made its position known via its Deputy Mayor, Christian Estrosi: “I acknowledge the court’s decision concerning the liquidation of Rugby Nice Côte d’Azur. It is obviously a difficult moment for Nice rugby and for regional sports, but we must now look to the future. Recovery projects have already been made known. Very attentive to these initiatives, the City of Nice is ready to support, in coordination with federal officials, the project that offers the best guarantees: in training our youth, in management, and also concerning the capacity of new leaders to mobilize private partners over time. Nice’s rugby school is fully recognized nationally and deserves a new association to allow this potential to flourish. This is my wish, and with me, all the lovers of this sport that has contributed so much to our city’s influence.“
Recovery projects? To date, only one is officially known, with the Ménir association led by former officials and educators from the previous association (the one before the current and dismissed by the arrival of President Deffins) under the leadership of Yvan Merlino, president of Ménir and founder of leisure rugby with the Ciappacans, who gave a spontaneous interview to Nice Premium:
Yvan Merlino, the liquidation of RNCA has been declared. What does this change now for Ménir?
Absolutely nothing, it was just a temporary postponement. There was practically no suspense. However, without this postponement, Ménir would have had a greater margin of maneuver regarding the timing.
Did you receive any feedback from the Nice City Hall after your press briefing?
Yes, the next day we received a letter from the Mayor informing us that he was forwarding our request to the department in charge of land allocation. This letter, dated June 4, sent on the 8th, arrived on the 14th. Another timing issue!
What are the possible solutions today for all rugby players in Nice?
The solution is for the City Hall to choose us. We have arguments and have presented them. Today, rumors suggest that Tony Catoni has filed status papers. There will apparently be a competing project, although I find it ethically questionable to liquidate one association and create another on the same day.
If the city of Nice does not respond positively, do you plan to establish your structure in another neighboring town?
No, our project is 100% Nicosian and will live in Arboras or not at all.
Finally, what will be Ménir’s program in the coming days?
We have a meeting today, Tuesday, with Mr. Baudino at Committee 06, then we will go to the Côte d’Azur Committee. Furthermore, we have requested, by mail, to meet with the Mayor, to provide all the details he may need.
The ball is now in the court of the Nice City Hall and its Sports Directorate, which should soon announce its position, and consequently, its choice since the calendars of the French Rugby Federation are much less patient than the Nice TGI and no postponement will be offered this time to the various parties involved.
Kick-off… to be continued!
Image credit: www.povedart.com
