The Union Athlétique Gujanaise et Mestrassine (UAGM) Rugby is set to hold a decisive extraordinary general meeting on June 15 to vote again on a proposed merger with the Rugby Club Bassin d’Arcachon (RCBA). The original May 29 vote was invalidated due to a discrepancy between the number of ballots cast and the number of signatures on the attendance register, forcing the club to restart the process to determine its future.
Why is the UAGM Rugby considering a merger?
The proposed union aims to address the financial instability of the RCBA, which faces a reported debt of €700,000. According to project documents, the RCBA is slated for judicial liquidation, effectively clearing its existing liabilities. Under the plan, a new entity currently referred to as UST-SAA would be formed to compete in Fédérale 1. By merging with the UAGM, the new structure intends to secure the sporting rights held by Gujan-Mestras, allowing the team to bypass the administrative relegation to Fédérale 3 that the RCBA senior squad currently faces.
What are the primary concerns for club members?
Opposition to the merger, led by figures including former player and coach Michel Dos Santos and his son Marc, centers on the speed and transparency of the process. Critics argue that the project is being rushed through a restricted circle of decision-makers rather than undergoing a broader consultation. Concerns also persist regarding the long-term status of the Stade Louis-Bézian. While local officials stated during the May 29 meeting that the stadium would not be sold during the current mandate, opponents worry that the new club will eventually shift its operations exclusively to the better-equipped facilities in La Teste-de-Buch, leaving the historical Gujan-Mestras site underutilized.
How do the two clubs compare in the voting process?
The path to this merger has faced differing levels of internal support across the two organizations:
- RCBA: Members approved the merger project on May 26 with a 93% majority.
- UAGM Rugby: An initial vote on May 29 saw 155 votes in favor and 70 against, but the result was voided due to procedural errors in the attendance list.
The upcoming June 15 vote will determine whether the UAGM membership remains committed to the union. Opponents of the plan are actively campaigning to overturn the previous majority, arguing that the historical legacy of the centennial club requires a more measured and transparent approach to restructuring.
What happens if the vote fails?
If the UAGM membership rejects the cooperation project on June 15, the future of the senior team’s competitive status becomes uncertain. The current framework relies on the merger to consolidate resources and maintain a presence in Fédérale 1. Without the structural shift, the clubs would remain in their respective administrative positions, with the RCBA facing the consequences of its financial liquidation and the UAGM operating independently without the benefit of the proposed union.