Top 14: At Aviron Bayonnais, the discourse is as abrupt as the fall. Dismissed on all sides of the field this Saturday by Section Paloise (22-54), the Bayonnais continue to sink. While survival is ensured by the extreme fragility of Perpignan and Montauban, the entire organization cannot avoid a profound reassessment.
Deployed for over a year, supported by the European Union at 65%, this cross-border project with a budget of 1.3 million euros marks an important step in the development of Basque rugby. Initially planned for three years, the program focuses on promoting women’s rugby, training young players, and improving coaching. Over 90 actions are planned annually to enhance the overall level of Basque rugby.
Implemented by Aviron Bayonnais, the program includes rugby camps for young players, joint territorial selections, coaching sessions, player exchanges between clubs, and sharing of practices and expertise. Training methods developed by Aviron Bayonnais are also shared across the border, with trainers intervening in Spanish clubs to work on defense and mauls.
An annual women’s university rugby sevens tournament will be held this Thursday in Bayonne, featuring Spanish and French teams. Haizean not only focuses on sports but also aims to enhance the region through cultural and tourist dimension with visits and interactions with local stakeholders.
“With this project, we are writing a small chapter in the history of the Basque ecosystem,” says Iñaki Rica, president of the Basque Rugby Federation.
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