Rugby journalist assaulted in France: LNR and club issue statement

There were ugly scenes at what had been a great contest between Stade Aurillacois and Biarritz Olympique on Saturday, as fans of the home side physically and verbally assaulted a French journalist from ICI Pays Basque at the Stade Jean-Alric.

In the closing stages, Edgar Retière landed a penalty to secure Biarritz a vital win in their fight to avoid relegation from the Pro D2. However, the local Aurillac fans were far from pleased with the outcome and unleashed their frustrations on journalist Thomas Palmier, who was commentating on the game for ICI Pays Basque radio.

According to local reports, a fan rushed towards Palmier and struck him in the face before the assailant was removed from the premises.

In the following link, you can hear Palmier shouting, ‘Tu veux me frapper? Tu veux me frapper? (…) Laisse-moi bosser!’ meaning ‘Are you going to hit me? Are you going to hit me? (…) Let me work in peace!’ while his headset is seemingly knocked over.

La honte vos supporters qui agressent un journaliste d’@icipaysbasque, total soutient a lui
J’espère que la @LNRofficiel @rugbyprod2 et la chaîne de radio n’en restera pas là https://t.co/WHj0WuzbuT pic.twitter.com/cTjd8qvvTK

— Simon Gaudin (@SimonGaudin64) March 27, 2026

While it’s unclear what happened afterwards, the ICI Pays Basque management reacted almost immediately, condemning the attack and expressing solidarity with Thomas Palmier.

COMMUNIQUÉ – Alors qu’il couvrait, hier soir, le match Stade Aurillacois VS Biarritz Olympique au stade Jean Alric, un journaliste de ICI Pays Basque a été violemment agressé. La Direction du réseau ICI et de ICI Pays Basque condamnent fermement ces attaques intolérables. pic.twitter.com/WLGYp3Uq9X

— ICI Pays Basque (@icipaysbasque) March 28, 2026

While it is a mere coincidence, Thomas Palmier was born and raised in Aurillac, as was his brother, Marc, who played for the club as an Espoir (2004–2014) and as a senior (2019–2024). However, there is no indication or correlation between last Friday’s incident and Marc Palmier’s departure from the club in 2024.

The Ligue Nationale de Rugby (LNR) has opened a full investigation into the incident and is seeking to identify the assailants.

“The LNR wishes to express its full support for the assaulted journalist, as well as for all the staff at ICI Pays Basque radio. Freedom of information and the safety of journalists must be guaranteed under all circumstances.”

Stade Aurillacois president Christian Millette addressed the incident on Saturday, condemning the assault and stating that the club will assist the authorities in their investigation.

“The club wishes to express its full and unwavering support for the victim, Thomas Palmier. President Christian Millette has contacted him to formally offer the club’s apologies and assure him of support in any legal proceedings he may choose to pursue.”

The full statement can be read at https://www.stade-aurillacois.fr/communique-stade-aurillacois-biarritz-olympique-pb/https://www.stade-aurillacois.fr/communique-stade-aurillacois-biarritz-olympique-pb/