Large transfer market, name change… Stade Niçois is preparing to enter a new era less than two months before the championship resumes.
Condemned since April to relegation to Nationale, the Eagles never laid down their weapons and fought until the last day, securing a victory at home against US Dax (34-19). In a show of continuity, Nice demonstrated great resilience and appears ready to tackle the 2025-2026 season.
New Name, New Chapter
This is the news that has ignited the club’s social media. Precisely at 7 a.m., Stade Niçois announced its name change and will henceforth be called Nissa Rugby. In addition to an 8-minute video publication, a statement was released on the club’s website. A few lines that resonate as the prelude to a positive period.
“Nissa Rugby marks a new era for our club. Nissa Rugby reflects our ambition to represent rugby in Nice, but also rugby of the Alpes-Maritimes. Nissa Rugby is rooted in a rich rugby tradition since 1912, while embracing an ambitious future vision. Nissa Rugby symbolizes our attachment to our local Nice roots while strengthening our local and territorial identity.”
A fourth name that follows Racing Rugby Club of Nice (1912-2001), Rugby Nice Côte d’Azur (2001-2012), and Stade Niçois (2012-2025). A 100% Niçois name that echoes local customs, calls for the support of an entire territory, and aims for a strong local anchoring.
Aim for Reconquest
34 departures, 18 arrivals, 15 extensions. A roster almost perfectly balanced after a wave of exits. The incoming elements are tantalizing. The management opted for experience. The average age of the recruits is almost 30 years. Among the notable arrivals is Waisea Nayacalevu. Since the announcement of his arrival in January, the 35-year-old Fijian has had time to prepare for his move to Nice. On June 4, he announced his retirement from international play. Having played for Stade Français (2012-2022) and Toulon (2022-2024), the former Fijian international (40 caps) returns for a probable last challenge in France.
Also coming from abroad, Nice secures the services of Owen Williams. At 32, the fly-half has earned eight caps with Wales. Two recruits from the Ospreys province, adding to a long list of players currently playing in France. Stade Niçois recruited from Aix players (Hayden Thompson-Stringer, prop, 30 years old – Josh Tyrell, second row, 34 years old – Atila Septar, center, 29 years old). Not to mention the possible arrival of Bilel Taieb (flanker, 32 years old). Vannes (Pro D2) and Bayonne (Top 14) are also among the clubs that have contributed more than one player to Nice (Pat Leafa, hooker, 36 years old – Christiaan Van Der Merwe, second row, 28 years old). The other recruits mainly come from French clubs (Bordeaux, Agen, Nevers, Carcassonne…).
As for extensions, several key players remain loyal despite the drop to third division: Luyuvo Pupuma, Jules Martinez, Sione Anga’Aelangi, Thibaud Rey… Nice can also count on its promising 19-year-old fly-half Flavio Asquini.
