The traditional greetings to partners took place this Thursday at the clubhouse of the Stade des Arboras. Around a buffet, players and managers were able to interact with those who keep the club running on a daily basis. The ambitions for Pro D2 by 2020 remain intact.
“Without passion, there is no drive.” The first words of President Tony Catoni’s speech are strong but accurate. In front of a large part of the squad, currently 5th in group 3 of Fédérale 2, the coaches, and the partners, the president first thanked everyone at the club for their daily contributions to the life of Stade Niçois. His words included the volunteers, the fifty private companies that support the red and black team, and the rugby school.
“The adventure continues. We are in showcase rugby, and I hope to reach the grail (the Pro D2) within 3 to 4 years. Leading a club means engaging in successive battles,” stated Tony Catoni in his speech.
Then Chantal Evano, head of public relations and external events at the Allianz group, spoke. The main partner of Stade Niçois reaffirmed its choice and desire to see top-tier rugby return to Nice, the 5th largest city in France. “At Allianz, we are very attached to the values of rugby. We believe in this project. In the medium-term, Stade Niçois will reach the Pro D2, and we dream of the Top 14,” emphasized Chantal Evano.
The president concluded his speech by recalling the traditional values of the club: Passion-Courage-Ethics-Fraternity, which will make Stade Niçois a professional club in the years to come.
“It’s satisfying to meet the key players of our club; these are convivial moments. We know there are expectations from sponsors and the city to succeed,” explains Gilbert Doucet, the club manager.
