Titled last year, FC Lézignan is a candidate for his own succession. In the offseason, the FCL has beefed up its workforce. Sunday, during the inaugural day, Lézignan aspires to victory at the reception of Saint-Gaudens.
The 2022 edition
1- Nine teams> Albi, Avignon, Carcassonne, Lézignan, Limoux, Saint-Estève XIII Catalan, Saint-Gaudens, Toulouse XIII, Villeneuve-sur-Lot.
2 – The formula> At the end of the round trip, the nine teams will play sixteen official matches. At the end of the classification phase, the first and second are automatically qualified for the semi-finals. Clubs classified third, fourth, fifth and sixth qualify for the play-offs. The third is opposed to the sixth, the fourth to the fifth. The winners are qualified for the semi-finals. The winners of the semi-finals contest the final which is scheduled for May 28 or 29.
3 – The favors> Lézignan – Winner last year from Carcassonne in the final (16-12) to Ernest – Wallon, Lézignan was crowned French champion for the eighth time in its history. In addition, in the offseason, the FCL has beefed up its workforce by recruiting two Catalan Dragons: James Maloney and Jason Baitieri. With an abundant and quality workforce, Lézignan thanks to the prognosis. However, remember that since 2016, the first in the classification phase has not won the title of champion of France. Note also that in 2017, after flying over the championship, Lézignan failed in the final against Limoux (24-22). The Lézignanais had even failed in the final of the Coupe de France against Carcassonne. Within this championship, a surprise cannot be ruled out.
4- Les outsiders > From Limoux to Villeneuve. He does not fail to start with the reserve of the Catalan Dragons (semi-finalist last year) and who would like to repeat the performance of 2019. Limoux awaits a major title since 2017. This year, the club of the Haute Vallée de l ‘Aude wants to draw a line on the previous season when he was eliminated in play-offs by Avignon. With the recent signing of the Toulouse center, Bastien Ader, Limousin leaders are showing their ambitions. Carcassonne (See interview), Villeneuve-sur-Lot and Avignon have more than one trick up their sleeve.
5- The first day> Saturday October 16, Albi (55%) – Toulouse XIIII (45%) (19 hours), Sunday at 3.30 p.m. Lézignan (70%) – Saint-Gaudens (30%), Avignon (52%) – Carcassonne (48%), Limoux (54%) – Saint-Estève XIII Catalan (46%).
Exempt: Villeneuve-sur-Lot.
Didier Navarre
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