RC Orléans prepares for its upcoming debut in the Nationale rugby division, opening its season on August 21 against Bourg-en-Bresse at the Stade de la Source, according to club announcements. Following a victory over Vienne in the Nationale 2 final on May 31, the club enters the higher tier with a structured roster and specific placement goals.
Ambitions and Roster Management for Nationale Debut
Club president Didier Bouriez established a target of finishing within the top six teams to reach the post-season phases, according to statements made during a partner gathering at the Mercure des Portes de Sologne. Manager Romain Cabannes adopted a cautious approach regarding early-season outcomes, emphasizing the need to evaluate team performance following initial matches. To support the demands of four-match playing blocks in the 48-club competition, Orléans doubled or tripled player positions while retaining the core group that secured the Nationale 2 title. The club registered 37 professional contracts for the campaign.
Coaching Additions and Squad Preparation
Adrien Ayestaran joined the coaching staff as the coach for the backs, bringing experience as a former club captain and scrum-half, according to team releases. Pierre-Gilles Lakafia and Romain Teulet lead physical preparation. Pre-season preparations included a two-day team-building session at the 6th Cuirassier Regiment in Olivet, coordinated by military personnel and youth educator Stéphane Toussaint. This exercise aimed to integrate new arrivals with returning players before friendly matches against Périgueux and Chambéry.
Key Player Additions and Infrastructure Updates
Gabin Michet joined the squad on a two-year contract at fly-half, providing depth alongside Lucas Biemba, according to club personnel records. Michet previously played for Clermont, Pau, and Carcassonne, accumulating experience in the Top 14 and Champions Cup. Infrastructure upgrades include the integration of a giant screen gifted by Uson president Régis Dumange to Stade Marcel-Garcin, alongside plans for a new performance center and gym at the Stade des Montées. The team scheduled eight Friday evening fixtures at the Stade de la Source for the upcoming season.
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