The end for Nice

Sunday, May 09, 2010
A harsh result for Rugby Nice Côte d'Azur who were beaten 19-18 by St Etienne on Sunday in the barrage match in Bédarrides. Cruel because the match was lost in the 87th minute due to an incredible drop goal by the St Etienne number 10, Alexandre Péclier, which was over 50 meters long. Cruel but not necessarily unfair as Nice failed to bring the ingredients it takes to beat a good opponent, even an opponent they have beaten twice this season (23-44 and 30-16).
Nice were not ambitious enough in the game and let Saint-Etienne grow in confidence. So the season ends for RNCA. A disappointment which should not over shadow the success of the team and coaches - Manu Boutet, Will Johnson and Nicolas Szezur. Even though Nice have not made it to the quarter final this season has been a huge success.
Nice will use this offseason to prepare for season 2010-11, including the appointment of a new management for the SASP to succeed Anthony Hill (who is in advanced talks with Stade Français). Julien Schramm will take a step back for professional reasons.