save your skin with less stress than last year
After a tragedy that affected the club (death of a player), Rouen was able to save itself in extremis. With an interesting recruitment, Rouen will try to improve its results, by looking a little more upwards.
II was impressed with the band’s ability to overcome the emotional difficulty of this year ! » The event Rouen Rugby coach Nicolas Godignon is talking about is the death of fly-half Jordan Michallet in January. Four months after this tragedy, The Lions saved their skin, during the last days, by finishing 14th in Pro D2.
They scared themselves by chaining seven defeats, between November 2021 and January 2022, narrowly losing, at the Robert Diochon stadium, against the imposing Bayonne (27-28) or a competitor in maintenance, Bourg en Bresse (11-18 ). Results that do not escape the 47-year-old technician:
“Matches put us in difficult situations, such as Bourg en Bresse or Bayonne. We must be more efficient, consistent and regular in our performances. »
After this lackluster season where the staff arrived late with a new game plan and another organization, the Normans have recruited, which should allow them to perform a better exercise. Among the entrants, hopefuls, including Raphaël Vieilledent, and experienced ones, like Cody Thomas, who have qualities highlighted by the native of Moulins:
” Raphael Vieilledent, coming from Chambéry, is a hope with an interesting profile. Not having the level of the Pro D2, he went to National where his game has evolved, becoming more efficient in his 2nd line register, being aggressive and able to boost physical density, emphasizes Nicolas Godignon. And Cody Thomas knows the Top 14 well with Brive, but was in difficulty in Corrèze he wants to get back into rugby with full teeth. »
Godignon: “Achieving a better championship will already be a success”
To avoid taking a scratch, from the start of the season, the Lions of Rouen prefer not to have objectives and start this new championship with humility.
“The goal is to do better! On 13 chances to be ahead and 2 chances to be behind. Afterwards, on a desire to have a slightly more serene posture. But afterwards, we will attack the matches one after the other. Achieving a better championship will already be a success. »
The Rouennais hope to maintain themselves with fewer fears, believing in their star. Theirs is Jordan Michallet watching them from the Robert Diochon stadium…
The rookie from Rouen: Ma’afu to rebel
After starting his career in Australia, then in Japan, Effie Ma’afu (24) has signed a three-season contract with Rouen Rugby, until 2025. Playing for the Melbourne Rebels last year, the Australian hooker will try to ‘bringing the extra energy and game in motion, to allow Lions to aim higher. Kevin Thube