After a great start, Colomiers went through a passable winter, during which his results and his game were not at the expected level. Despite everything, the last two games can allow the Dove to receive a barrage. An unexpected event that would confirm the progress of the club behind the scenes.
What if Colomiers rugby achieved the impossible? At least, what was considered unthinkable at the heart of a difficult winter… With two games remaining in the regular phase, La Colombe has USON Nevers rugby within range. Target ? His fourth place, a goal expressed internally at the start of the season. “We never shouted it loud and clear but it is clearly our objective to be in the four, recognizes captain Anthony Coletta. And we are happy to have this opportunity. “ Finally, the Columérins, who did not win away between November 19 and April 15, surfed on their lead acquired at the start of the season thanks to the five successes obtained. “We made a big start to the season then we hit a hole because there are a lot of injuries up front,” continues the third row. We could never have imagined that such a scenario would occur for two consecutive seasons. Like last year, Colomiers rugby saw its infirmary fill up excessively, amounting to 19 injured in the professional group. “Our group has quality but it is a bit young, assesses the former Dacquois. And we lacked experience when you need it most, in winter. Above all, the unavailability of Romain Bézian, victim of a complication during a knee cleaning operation, will undoubtedly have weakened the columérin game system as it is so important on the field and in the locker room. “For me, it’s a critical part of our front eight. In addition, we lost it for something trivial, ”regrets President Alain Carré.
Several young people took the lead
To compensate for these many injuries, the Columérin leaders called on Karl Chateau. If he does not stay at the end of the season (the third row will join Vannes), he was able to share his experience and his know-how in Pro D2. Also, it was an opportunity for other players to take the lead. Alexandre Ricard (24) has thus established himself as a touch specialist. Yann Peysson (21 years old) was able to continue for the first time at this level, showing the qualities required in the crossing and the hand game. Julien Sarraute, head coach, shows restraint: “We have always been able to do good things. Lately, we’ve just been more effective on our highlights. And that highlighted our qualities. “The return to favor of Michele Campagnaro (read our edition of April 25) perfectly symbolizes the progress experienced by the group of the Berneau-Sarraute duo.
Also, it is necessary to mention the character he has shown throughout the season. Is this the consequence of the physical glitches encountered? Still, the Dove has always been able to come back in the matches where she was dropped. If the defeats at Nevers, Béziers and against Carcassonne in the last moments served as examples and are still fresh in the memories today, the recent matches show all the abnegation of the Columérins. Not to mention that they managed to beat Bayonne, Mont-de-Marsan, Oyonnax twice and Nevers. Something to reassure just a stone’s throw from the final phase.
A new majority shareholder
It is reasonable to rule that the qualification is recorded. On the one hand because seven points separate the Haut-Garonnais from Provence rugby, seventh, who still have to face Oyonnax and Mont-de-Marsan. And above all, because even players, who are usually very cautious, admit it. From now on, it is a question of fourth place, synonymous with a play-off at home. This would allow the administrative team to consolidate the work done. Because the progress behind the scenes has been numerous and substantial.
First, the majority shareholding was transferred from Alain Carré to Alain Montean. “I am overwhelmed,” smiles the president. Alain Montean was already a long-time partner of the club through his company Lagarrigue. Moreover, the board of directors sees entering five new members: the new boss of Lagarrigue Jean-Pierre Mahé, Frédéric Lutz (BTPMP) and the “sons of” Pierre Gatimel, Frédéric Carré and Damien Cathala. The capital increase is around €450,000. “We are in the continuity of what is done in Colomiers, but by bringing a younger look”, testified Alain Carré. The president of the UPCR has also formalized the launch of the terraces, financed by the SASP and intended for the partners, which will take up from January 1, 2023 the entire upper part of the presidential gallery plus a new structure on its north facade. Also, the training facilities will be renovated, as will the entrance to the stadium.
The planned rise
Inevitably, when a club sets itself the objective of being in the top four, it is not excessive to mention a rise. And this even if it is not the idea in the short term. “If a sporting climb happened, we would ensure it, poses Alain Carré. By integrating a large shareholding pool, we would assume this rise. But there is still a long way to go. After this season, we will also have to look at the twenty players whose contract expires in 2023. After the departures of Florian Nicot (retired), Mihai Macovei, Clément Chartier, Victor Delmas and Kane Palma-Newport, it is not impossible that we are witnessing the end of the careers of Alexis Palisson, Grégoire Maurino, Hikawera Elliot and Beka Sheklashvili… Faced with this change of cycle, the challenge to be met will be great for this club which does not hesitate to launch its young people into the big bath. Especially since the case of the coaches, who have a good chance of extending, must also be settled in the off-season. There is no shortage of construction sites in Colomiers…
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