On June 17, the Top 14 season came to an end after a very good final between Toulouse and La Rochelle. Since then, each elite club is entitled to its balance sheet. The LOU managed to qualify for the final stages on the last day.
Sixth before the last day of the Top 14, LOU Rugby managed to overtake Stade Français and secure a place on the podium on the last day. beating Aviron bayonnais (53-19). Lyon therefore finished the season in third position, as in the club’s last qualification, in 2019. That year, the Lyonnais had reached the semi-finals.
The 2022-2023 financial year has not always been easy for Xavier Garbajosa’s men. The start of the season is quite mixed for the Rhone club which suffered three defeats in the first five days against La Rochelle (21-23), Racing 92 (32-19) and Clermont (43-20). After this bad series, the LOU Rugby chained five victories in six games with successes against competitors such as Bordeaux (36-21), Toulouse (21-14) or even at the reigning French champion Montpellier (26-33) .
Garbajosa, one season then leaves
Announced in July 2022 for three years at the head of the club, Xavier Garbajosa will only have stayed for one season. The irregular results of his team and a tense atmosphere with his locker room will have pushed him towards the exit. Despite this outcome, the results of the manager are not necessarily negative. The Lyon coach took his team to quarter final of the Challenge Cup (defeat against Toulon 18-23) and in barrage of Top 14 (defeat against Bordeaux 25-32).
This last match against the UBB had however started well for its players who led 17-8 at half-time but who were brought up on the return from the locker room to finally bow in the last moments of the game. A week after this elimination, the management of the club announces the dismissal of the coach via a press release: “LOU Rugby would like to thank Xavier Garbajosa for his commitment and his contribution to last season, which ended in 3rd place, allowing the Club to return to the final phase of the TOP 14 and beat the attendance record at the Matmut Stadium in Gerland. “
The player: Ethan Dumortier, the recklessness of youth
At only 22 years old, the three-quarter French wing has made his talent speak throughout his season. Revealed in the previous exercise with 13 league appearances. The Lyonnais has confirmed as he should this season with 19 starts in the Top 14 and a total of 11 tries scored. From the sixth to the twelfth day, the international winger scored seven tries allowing his team to win several times.
Ethan Dumortier has scored 17 tries this season in all competitions. Sports icon
His excellent club performances as well as Gabin Villière’s injury allow Ethan Dumortier to play the entire 6 Nations Tournament and to make a place with the group of the XV of France. Associated with Damian Penaud, the player will register two tries against Italy and Scotland. Currently on internship in Monaco with the Bluesthe winger is applying for a place in the squad of 33 players who will take part in the 2023 World Cup.
2023-2024 season: new coach, same ambitions?
After the ousting of Xavier Garbajosa, LOU rugby appealed to Fabien Gengenbacher to take charge of the first team. The latter, who led Grenoble for two seasons, had passed through Lyon as a player during the 2005-2006 season.
Fabien Gengenbacher will be able to rely on a high quality recruitment with internationally renowned players for the next exercise. Among them Vincent Rattez, Monty Ioane and Semi Radradra will take the place of Nakaitaci, Tuisova or even Veredamu who are leaving the club. This Monday, July 3, Lyon also announced the arrival of two World Cup jokers to strengthen the squad in the absence of the internationals.
Next season, the Lyonnais will also find the Champions Cup. With a large enough workforce, the club can hope to shine on both counts and play, again, the final stages of Top 14.
2023-07-03 21:11:09
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