RC du Rougier prepares for the new season

Les entraînements se succèdent avant les premiers matchs amicaux. MD

Les Camarasiens espèrent jouer une fois encore les phases finales

The Rougier players have been back in training for a few weeks and are preparing for the championship which will start on September 22 with a trip to Mende. All hope to do as well as last season when they once again distinguished themselves during the final stages by reaching the final of the Occitanie challenge. Although the rest period has been somewhat shortened, the recovery is well and truly underway with two pre-season friendly matches planned, the first in Lacaune on September 6 and the second in Camarès during the village festivals, on September 13 against Naucelle which plays in regional 3.

The squad is essentially the same as last season. Recruitment is not yet completely finished and it should have around 35 players. This year there will be a few more double licenses with the clubs of St Affrique, Alban and Salagou.

The coaching staff has been slightly modified with the arrival of Elian Gomez who will replace Rolland Roques as forwards coach, Thomas Reynès still in charge of the back lines as Player Coach. We will have to wait until January to find out if Elian Gomez will be allowed to put his boots back on after his knee operation.

The choice of stability

Thomas Reynès could not be clearer about his team's sporting objectives: “We are aiming for the middle of the table, towards fourth and fifth place to reach the final stages. Depending on our abilities, we don't rule out going for a place at the top of the table… The group includes 9 clubs, it hasn't changed much and seems fairly balanced and at the same level as last year with two promoted teams from Aveyron, Viviez and Séverac."

A sporting stability that is accompanied by stability within the club with the continued co-presidency of Elodie Artis, Pierre Bosc and Julien Cazabonne. A trio of leaders "who hope to hand over next season" hoping that new volunteers will appear within the association. The season is already launched on the Rougier side.

The Pool: RC Mende Lozère-US Carmaux-Us Séverac-Chataigneraie sur Célé- CCA Capdenac- SA Rabastens Couffouleu- AS Lisloise- AO Viviez- RC Rougier