Nice Premium: How would you define the pool proposed to Rugby Nice Côte d’Azur for the next season?
Julien Schramm: It’s obviously a challenging pool for a promoted club because we’re entering a new world. But it’s an open pool with strong contenders like Aix, Aubenas, or La Seyne, which has recruited well from Toulon. We will meet Romans again. We will discover Bédarrides and Beaurepaire, solid opponents. We will face Rumilly, whose new coach is Olivier Achaintre, who was with us last season and, as you know, was dismissed. This will spice things up for sure.
NP: Which opponents should be particularly feared?
JS: All of them. Those who will play leading roles. And those who primarily want to ensure their survival, like us. Not a single match will be easy. We have to prepare for a very difficult but exciting championship.
NP: First match and first derby at La Seyne. Your thoughts on this opener?
JS: It’s perfect. It’s a derby. We will get straight to the heart of the matter. Against a team with vast experience in Federal 1 and which has strengthened well with players from Toulon. We will be able to gauge our level right away, without the pressure of a home game. It will inevitably be special, as we might face some former Toulon players on the Nice side.
NP: How is the season preparation going? Any new arrivals? New partners?
JS: Very well, the arrival of Christophe Moni is the best thing that can happen to Nice rugby. With Manu Boutet for technical aspects, Nicolas Szezur, and Murad Ouembaev for physical preparation, not to mention two physiotherapists, Sébastien Botteau and Fabien Massabeau, we are making a considerable effort in management.
It was very important. We will start training at full throttle on August 21 to be at our best by October 14. As for the rest, we are finalizing our recruitment. With possible arrivals of three or four high-level players who should help us take on a new dimension (a tighthead prop, a hooker, a number eight, and possibly a versatile player for the back).
Regarding partners, Federal 1 obviously offers us a new perspective. Paul-Henri Safayan has almost completed the renewal and is currently working hard to bring in new sponsors. The club will grow at all levels.
The subscription campaign has just been launched for the next season at a single rate of €50, which grants:
- A subscription card granting access to all 2007/2008 matches
- A supporter gift
- A team poster
- Monthly club newsletter subscription
- Invitation to the season-opening garden party with players and Nice staff
- 5% discount on the entire club shop
- 50% discount on bus trips organized by the club
Contact:
Phone: 08 91 70 17 06
Fax: 04 93 83 07 56
Email: rncaur@wanadoo.fr
Website: www.rugby-nice.com
