While the club is in a slump that could cost it its place in federal 1, or worse, the RNCA players have certainly not laid down their arms, like Jocelyn Lapierre whom we met around a good table in the old town.
Despite deplorable working conditions (unpaid salaries, empty promises…), the neo yellow and blue were up to the task at Bourg en Bresse even though yellow and red cards penalized behavior that can be understood even if it cannot be excused.
Today at 6 p.m., it is Montauban, a major player in the group comfortably settled in second place in the standings, that comes to challenge the Azur coast team on its home ground. Undoubtedly, the protégés of Jean Anturville, the only one who has not abandoned the ship either, will be eager to prove that their rightful place is indeed in federal 1, at least through the value of their rugby. For this, the club is incredibly fortunate to be able to rely on a group that has not demobilized and even shows great solidarity as Jocelyn confides to us: “Two months without a salary, we appealed to the spirit of cooperation and it worked immediately. One of us even had his electricity cut off and we helped him get it reconnected. Likewise, we remain attentive to those who do not say anything but who could also find themselves in such situations.”
Indeed, what employee can hold on after two months without pay while ensuring his service every day? Well, fortunately, the Nice rugby players are among those, and even though their managers have preferred to escape, they choose instead to focus and “see this adventure through to the end, all together.” “I am from Lourdes, and there are several of us who aren’t from the region, but I assure you that everyone is ready to take their responsibilities to save what can still be saved. We know that projects are being considered by the town hall and we hope one of them can provide us with a solution to avoid this demotion but especially to build a true future for a club that truly deserves it.” Jocelyn Lapierre is confident even if this situation worries him as much as his teammates.
If the spirit of rugby was certainly not one of the values of the former management team of RNCA, we cannot say the same about the players who deserve full support and encouragement for the highlight match of the weekend… and perhaps their future!
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