The Niçoise “pitchounettes” were crowned champions in the 2nd Division of the French Women’s Championship. They will now compete in the 1st Division this season. In the national hierarchy, it precedes the highest level: the elite.
A very beautiful reward for the teammates of the legendary Lolie Gagliardini, who is in the stands due to an injury. But it is also a challenge that promises to be difficult…
Next Sunday, the Niçoises will travel to the Pays du Giers. A club that the pitchounettes know well for having already played there last season.
Before this season’s kickoff, we met with the Violet’s coach: Lydie Verucchi.
“Regarding this year’s group, we have a squad of 24 players, which is very limited for the start of the season. We have to consider injuries as well as the availability of some players depending on certain matches. You could see that the trips are long. They can last 2 days, which sometimes poses problems.”
“As for our short-term prospects, we will attempt to maintain this level, which is higher than last year’s. In Fédérale 1, that is to say, in the 2nd Women’s Division. Nevertheless, going as far as possible and accessing the final stages is just a bonus…”
“We will do everything we can to train our new recruits, bring our team to the highest level, and thus expand our squad. In the medium term, it is true that we would like to be able to reach the 1st Division, but the road is still long… Before that, we need to continue all the investment set up around our new cadet team. The only true means of recruitment for women’s rugby.
“Our first match is scheduled for this Sunday against the Pays du Giers. It promises to be difficult given our squad and the loss of many players at the end of their careers and those who are injured. But we will do our best, I hope, to rise to the challenge.”
Season Schedule:
– Pays du Giers-Nice away: October 10/return: January 23, 2011
– Nancy-Nice away: October 24/return: February 6, 2011
– Nice-Nanterre away: November 7/return: February 20, 2011
– RC Paris-Nice away: November 21/return: March 6, 2011
– Nice-Selestat away: December 7/return: March 20, 2011
– Lyon-Nice away: December 19/return: April 3, 2011
– Nice-Savoie away: January 9/return: April 17, 2011
