Nissa Rugby close to a return to Pro D2 after its success against Chambéry

Nissa Rugby validated its ticket to the final at the end of a dense and controlled battle, where its scrum power and offensive realism made the difference against a determined Chambéry (25‑19). A victory built through adversity but revealing Nice’s solidity at the best moment of the season.

This semi‑final opposed two teams that had competed consistently throughout the National season. On one side, Nissa Rugby arrived strong with 12 home victories and seven away, with a prolific attack: 464 points scored at Marcel‑Volot, 59 tries at home, and an ability to strike far from their base (293 points and 28 tries away). On the other side, Stade Olympique Chambérien displayed remarkable solidity at home (13 victories, only 17 tries conceded), but more modest performance away from Savoy (five wins, 24 tries conceded). Both teams displayed comparable discipline, with 11 penalties conceded at home each. The individuals promised a tight duel: Clément Egiziano (nine tries) and Owen Williams (165 points) for Nice, Quentin Beaudaux (11 tries) and Thibault Moreno (165 points) for Chambéry. With four Nice victories in the last five matches and five consecutive successes for Chambéry, this semi‑final promised to be tense. It was.

Nissa Rugby strikes early and imposes its scrum

The start had favored the visitors somewhat, but the Nice players were the first to score. On a sharp return, Henry Purdy finished in the corner after a long pass from Jean‑Pascal Barraque (10th). Chambéry immediately replied with a Moreno penalty (18th), but failed to break through a compact Nice defence. The difference was made through impact and in the scrum, an area where the Azuréens earned two important penalties. On a first‑phase action, scrum‑half Guillaume Rouet sent Nayacalevu on the charge, who broke through before setting up Clément Egiziano for a clean try (31st). Moreno kept SOC in the match (35th), but Owen Williams gave his side some breathing room just before halftime (40th+2). Nissa Rugby led 15‑6 at halftime, without completely breaking a tenacious opponent.

Chambéry comes back, Nissa Rugby fights back

After the break, Chambéry played boldly for their chance. Reduced to fourteen after a yellow card for Tom Petit (43rd), the Savoyards pressed in the lineout rather than attempting penalties. Nice’s defence held, but indiscipline eventually took its toll: after Hugo Sarrasin received a yellow card (58th), Moreno brought his team to within three points with two penalties (59th, 67th). Sensing danger, the Nice players pressed forward again. A well‑structured ball carry allowed second‑row Adrian Moțoc to force the line and free Marcel‑Volot (72nd). With Owen Williams’ conversion, Nissa Rugby had a ten‑point lead. But Chambéry didn’t give up. Beaudaux scored a try in the corner (77th), bringing SOC to within three points. One final penalty won in the scrum was needed to allow Williams to seal the victory (80th+2). Nice won (25‑19), at the end of a dense and grueling battle.

A final to return to Pro D2

This victory gives Nissa Rugby a place in the National final, where the Maralpins will face Narbonne, winners over Albi in a breathtaking scenario (29‑29, 6‑7 on penalties). The match will be played the weekend of May 16‑17 in Bourg‑en‑Bresse. The winner will be promoted to Pro D2, while the loser will face the fifteenth‑placed team in the championship to attempt to access it. The Nice players are just eighty minutes away from a return to the second tier of French rugby. A major prospect after a controlled season and a semi‑final won through determination. Only one hurdle remains but it will be very high. Tickets are already available along with bus transportation solutions on the club’s website.