Conceding a try at the start of each half, Nice let their evening’s opponent escape to the top of pool 3 in Fédérale 1. Despite a strong resistance, the Nicois could do nothing against the solidity of Béziers. Fragile in lineouts and scrums, the RNCA relied on the boot of Julien Caminati, who scored four penalties. Final score 12 to 18 (9 – 7 at halftime) in favor of the visitors and a defensive bonus for Nice.
Pierre Camou, president of the French Rugby Federation, invited to Nice for this occasion.
“This match is the rematch of the 1983 final but we should not build on past symbols. We must build with a view to tomorrow and take action. Rugby must maintain its values. I’m very happy when I see that things are being built around values and youth. I want this sport not to fall into overexposure. I believe in community clubs. We need to build a club and not just want to seem impressive and I know Nice is building.”
Henri Mondino, president of the Côte d’Azur rugby territorial committee.
“Niçois rugby is in full development, clubs in the Alpes-Maritimes need to develop to relieve the pressure on the Nice club. We are supporting the creation and restructuring of clubs. We have just financed synthetic pitches for the clubs in Cannes and Val de Siagne. I am very optimistic for adults, young people, and also girls, considering what we have been doing for the past 3-4 years. Local rugby has achieved remarkable results driven by the clubs of Nice, Grasse, and Saint-Laurent-du-Var. Béziers and Nice are two great rugby towns, we hope they’ll meet in Pro D2. Regarding training, you should know that the Alpes-Maritimes is the leading French department in terms of rugby presence in schools.”
Benoît Kandel, first deputy to the Mayor of Nice.
“The mayor’s aim is for the club to progress, we have just spent one million euros on new lighting for the Arboras stadium. It’s a lovely rugby evening with a large crowd, showcasing the potential of the Nicois public and their interest in rugby. The club is fortunate to be supported by local authorities and private partners.”
Anthony Hill, general manager of Rugby Nice Côte d’Azur SASP.
“We have a very competitive team and we hope to reach Pro D2. Tonight we earned the defensive bonus against the second most emblematic club of French rugby. The conditions were tough, on a drier pitch, it would have been a different match. Beyond the result, there was a great atmosphere, personalities like Pierre Camou or Gilles Veissiere (former international football referee, sports deputy of the city of Nice), the media, and investors were present. It was a very good evening for Niçois rugby and I am always confident for the rest of the season.”
Christian Baldacchino, president of the RNCA association.
“It’s a beautiful rugby celebration with magnificent lighting. The crowd is here, it’s the biggest attendance of the season. The boys are willing, we really hope to move up. It’s a very good season and the women’s team is in first place. The young teams were overmatched and had a difficult start but we believe in a better future. The rugby school is the club’s flagship.”
