Rugby (Federal 2): ​​Belvès wants to avoid last season's scares

Belvès had to wait until the penultimate matchday to confirm their survival last season. The idea is to have a clear mind earlier. And, why not, aim higher during the season that begins Sunday, September 14 against Malemort

From one year to the next, the broad outlines of the discourse do not change at Belvès. It will certainly always be as complicated to win on the plateau, where the Sangliers cultivate their identity and their particularity, made of rigor and conviviality, roughness and offensives.

For several years now, the wide game has regained its rightful place at Sem-Gallet, thanks to Christophe Bramery, in charge of three-quarters and general movement, who is developing this philosophy. "We will continue to play attractive rugby while hoping to stay up earlier than last year," emphasizes Jean-Michel Mouillac, the manager. Lionel Fongauffier will continue to complete the coaching trio.

Last year, the Stade de France players were not spared from injuries. They are keeping their fingers crossed to avoid them this year because "our squad is good, but not that many." Key players have left, such as Stiven Pasquet (Bergerac), Antoine Ruchaud (Barbezieux), Wesley Fa (Berre-l'Étang), and Jean-Yves Zebango (Sarlat). So, they had to be cunning to attract players to the Bessède. "I think we managed to replace them, even if we won't find a new Stiven Pasquet, for example," Mouillac continues. "We'll have a more experienced forward line, but a young three-quarter line."

According to the coach's accounts, Peio Castagné and Dorian Gibily will be the oldest behind, at 24 years old. "We preferred to start with young players but who still have a rugby background, in Espoirs or Fédérale 1. Above all, they want to work and progress."

Up front, the club seized the opportunity to recruit two South Africans from Drancy: Wandile Mazibuko, second or third row (30 years old, 1.88 m, 105 kg) and Lwazi Ngcungama, third row (35 years old, 1.89 m, 108 kg). With Baptiste Arvouet back in the country, this will bring weight and experience to a pack that sometimes struggled during the previous season.

From Drancy to Belvès, the two recruits must have been quite disoriented. Even though this is part of Belvésois' charm and the Sangliers enjoy it, Mouillac admits that it is "sometimes tiring" not to see any progress in the infrastructure. Sem-Gallet is really showing its age and remains the only field available for matches and training. The lack of a weight room can also be a disadvantage.

But the Sangliers aren't making an excuse. Proof of this is that while staying up was difficult, qualification wasn't so far off last spring. However, the group has changed.

The first element of response will come on Sunday, September 14, against Malemort. "It's important to get the season off to a good start. Last year, we lost at home to Clermont and we trailed them all season," Mouilllac recalls. "A first match at Sem-Gallet is something you have to win." Everyone has been warned.