In a few days, the Administrative Court will decide the future of Rugby Nice Côte d’Azur and, in fact, the future of Nice’s rugby scene. Without waiting for the unfortunately predictable verdict, the leaders, coaches, and parents of players from the former association have decided to come together around a project to propose a viable and sustainable solution. A press conference will reveal the MENIR project, this Wednesday, June 13 at 6 PM at Sport11 (11 Promenade des Anglais). Interview with its president, Yvan Merlino.
Nice Premium: Ivan Merlino, what exactly is Menir?
Yvan Merlino: Menir is a gathering of rugby enthusiasts in Nice who rebel against the idea that the practice of this noble sport might soon end in the Bay of Angels. It mostly involves educators, parents, female and male players, who are eager to tackle the problem head-on and believe that work is never done as well as when done by oneself, in a way.
NP: What is the current situation of rugby in Nice?
IM: Menir was born out of a founded fear, that of the judicial liquidation of RNCAUR. This fear was quite real since, in all likelihood, this disaster will be confirmed on June 18, after the TGI requested further investigation following Tony Catoni’s request to put the club into liquidation. A page is about to turn.
NP: And what about Nice rugby?
IM: Nice rugby is the story of a big family. With its marriages, births, divorces, joys and sorrows, ups and downs. But whether united or disunited, the family always stands tall and must always move forward. For me, it is impossible for a metropolis like Nice not to experience joy with its rugby teams. I believe that Nice is not an isolated case. Many cities have struggled to transition into the professional era. Often, they have put the cart before the horse; I believe this is what happened here. Nice will get there one day, but with a lot of patience and, above all, solid foundations.
NP: What are the strengths of your project and who makes up your team?
IM: The main strength of the Menir project is the significant support from most of the current sections: the majority of the rugby school, the women’s team, and the leisure section will support Menir. Many anonymous people want to contribute, offering their ideas and determination. There have been quite a few discussions about what Menir should be, and we can say that it is a common project for many people. I believe that all the opinions of the players, leaders, and parents must be heard and debated to draw out the essence of these thoughts. Today the “official” board of Menir consists of three people: Delphine Bechu, secretary; Patrice Alba, treasurer; myself, as president. But many others are ready to join a management committee if we succeed.
NP: Don’t you think that Nice sports would benefit from joining forces (Central purchasing, cost and staff sharing…)?
IM: In these times of crisis and lean periods, all sports clubs have an interest in reducing their operating costs, in one way or another. A central purchasing agency for sports equipment, managed by the city, could be an interesting example. We could also imagine a shared accounting firm for all Nice sports clubs. However, some things can be shared, and others less so. There’s a lot of talk in the rugby community about OGC Nice rugby and the big multisport Nice club. I think each section must be able to keep its identity and history.
NP: Which sections do you plan to set up for the 2012-2013 season?
IM: The rugby school, of course, for the under-7s to under-13s, since the project primarily concerns them. Teams of young players, cadets, and juniors; the problem here will be to determine in which category these two age groups can continue, but ambitions need to be scaled back, that’s clear. Then, the women’s team, which should be the flagship team of the club, in my opinion. Their hierarchy at the national level and their track record give them the right to be the flag bearers of Nice rugby. A senior team, obviously, but for now, we are in a fog, being suspended by the decisions of the federal bodies. A leisure team, of course, a fundamental aspect of today’s sports. And a small novelty, we would like to integrate a rugby sevens section into our ranks, making us a fully comprehensive club.
NP: Do you think there is still a chance to see the first team at the federal level, and ultimately, wouldn’t it be a good option to start again from a, albeit more regional, but perhaps more “human” level?
IM: There is indeed a real chance. The federation might decide that a city like Nice should evolve at the Federal level. But would that really be a good thing? I question that. I mentioned earlier the importance of not skipping steps, and that would be the case here. Moreover, evolving at such a level after a judicial liquidation would be considered unfair by many other clubs. This beautiful sport of rugby requires many values, notably respect and humility. My personal view is that after such a sanction, we must remain extremely humble, endure our hard times, and climb the ranks one step at a time. It will not happen in one day, but success comes at this price. But once again, this is only my personal opinion, and this topic will have the debates it deserves.
NP: What are your current requests, and how has the City of Nice responded to your solicitations?
IM: We have written two letters to the city council. The first to introduce ourselves and inform Mr. Mayor of our intention to take up the mantle in case of the current association’s failure. He replied that he took good note of our action. The second asks, in case of need…, to be able to use the Arboras complex and receive a municipal grant. For now, it has remained unanswered.
NP: So, the meeting is set for this Wednesday, June 13 at 6 PM at Sport11 to learn more, then?
IM: Yes, we will hold a press conference on Wednesday, June 13 at Sport11 at 6 PM, to introduce ourselves and present our project.
