After a convincing end to the season, Stade Niçois finished 2023 with flair and can still achieve its dream of moving up to Pro D2.
Stuck in the mid-table of the national league, the hope of promotion did not survive in May for the end of the 2022/2023 season. As usual, Stade Niçois is strong at home but struggles to earn points away. This inconsistency will be costly for competing at the top of the table. However, this season has not been in vain and already hints at very promising days for rugby on the French Riviera. To equip themselves for ascending to the next level, the professional squad has been strengthened with the arrival of new recruits and has extended contracts with its key players.
A Remarkable First Half of the Season
Following an intense summer preparation, Alexandre Compan’s men started this season with difficulty, suffering an opening defeat on Périgourdin’s field. Avoid repeating the same mistakes and focus on gaining maximum points away from home. Message received, as they follow up with five consecutive away matches to start, achieving a record of three victories and two defeats. After five competition days, the first home match at Arboras demonstrates that it will take a lot this season to earn points on the Côte d’Azur. Result: a 38-10 victory against Carcassonne, following several consecutive successes away and at home, Romain Riguet’s teammates dominate the championship.
But the demons of last season will resurface, and the red and blacks will let valuable points slip away on the road. They are defeated on the fields of Albi, Chamonix, and Blagnac, meaning they are no longer leaders at the break. Still, the balance remains good thanks to home victories. They have won five out of six home games this season, with a bonus point in four of them. A home offensive power that struggles far from these bases.
A Good Record to Continue Dreaming
Despite setbacks away, Stade Niçois is still tied for second place with 46 points, three points behind the leader Albi. They must continue on the same home basis and try to gather the maximum points away to keep themselves at the top of the table. Then, aim to reach the qualifying playoffs at the end of the season. And why not enter the antechamber of the TOP 14 next season.
