Unthinkable: Biarritz Olympique auto-relegated to third flight by LNR

Former Top 14 champions and Champions Cup finalists Biarritz Olympique have been relegated from the Pro D2 to the Nationale by the LNR (Ligue Nationale de Rugby).

The financial committee had placed the club under heavy scrutiny amid concerns about its financial health.

The club failed to provide guarantees of future investment that would allow it to overcome the financial problems that have plagued the French Basque side since 2020.

Biarritz Olympique battled against relegation for most of the last two seasons, only managing to retain their Pro D2 status near the end of the competition.

The transition from the previous board, led by Jean-Baptiste Aldigé (who now presides over Stade Niçois), to the new one wasn’t easy, but Shaun Hegarty, Marc Baget and Flip van der Merwe appeared to be turning the page for the historic French club.

Unfortunately, it seems the LNR was not convinced by their assurances and has therefore relegated the club to the Nationale, the French third tier. Biarritz will also start the season with six points deducted, in light of financial and budgetary rule breaches.

The future of players like Charlie Matthews, Cornell du Preez, Ekain Imaz, Kerman Aurrekoetxea and Zach Kibirige is uncertain if the club cannot avoid relegation, though all options are reportedly being considered.

The club has already submitted an appeal and will try to make a case to avoid what would be a damaging relegation for one of the most storied clubs in the French rugby landscape.

The full Biarritz statement reads: “Biarritz Olympique Pays Basque acknowledges the decision of the Rugby Regulatory Authority (A2R) to pronounce its provisional administrative demotion at the end of the 2024-2025 financial year and a withdrawal of 3 points from the ranking for the 2025-2026 season of the championship in which the club will play.

“The club has already decided to appeal these decisions. It intends to cooperate fully with the relevant authorities by providing all necessary evidence, demonstrating its good faith, rigorous management, and its legitimacy to compete in Pro D2.

“Biarritz Olympique Pays Basque recalls that it has successfully secured its place in the Pro D2 after a season marked by numerous setbacks. Despite the difficulties encountered, the players, staff, and the entire club fought tirelessly on the pitch to maintain their place in this demanding championship.

“This decision does not call into question the club’s deep commitment to its development project, nor the mobilization of all those who work every day for its sustainability: employees, volunteers, partners and supporters.

“Biarritz Olympique Pays Basque remains united and determined to demonstrate that it deserves its place in Pro D2 and continues to work towards good preparation for next season.”