Select Edition

Northern Northern
Southern Southern
Global Global
NZ NZ

Springbok Lionel Mapoe signs for ambitious Nationale side

By Ian Cameron
Lionel Mapoe (Photo by Steve Haag/Gallo Images/Getty Images)

Former Springbok Lionel Mapoe is the latest player to take up a contract for a Nationale team. Nice have the signed the former Lions utility back who can play across the backline from Parisian Top 14 side, Stade Francais.

ADVERTISEMENT

Le Stade Niçois unveiled the signing on Twitter, posting: “Stade Niçois is pleased to announce the signing of the three-quarter international South African center Lionel Mapoe (31, 14 selections) from
Stade Francais. We welcome him to Nice!”

It is quite a drop for the former Springbok. The Nationale is a new competition, which will act as a third flight of rugby between the ProD2 and the Federale 1. Nice gained promotion to the Nationale having finished 4th in their Federale 1 pool.

The 31-year-old has made 14 appearances for the Springboks, his last coming just two years ago in 2018. He is one of 18 recruitments to the ambitious French side, who are looking for promotion from Nationale to the ProD2.

An experienced Test operator who can play centre, wing and fullback, Mapoe represents a major coup for soon to be Nationale club.

ADVERTISEMENT

Join free

Chasing The Sun | Series 1 Episode 1

PACIFIC FOUR SERIES 2024 | CANADA V USA

Japan Rugby League One | Verblitz v Eagles | Full Match Replay

Aotearoa Rugby Podcast | Episode 10

Fresh Starts | Episode 2 | Sam Whitelock

Royal Navy Men v Royal Air Force Men | Full Match Replay

Royal Navy Women v Royal Air Force Women | Full Match Replay

Abbie Ward: A Bump in the Road

Trending on RugbyPass

Comments

Join free and tell us what you really think!

Sign up for free
ADVERTISEMENT

Latest Features

Comments on RugbyPass

FEATURE
FEATURE Toulouse back in the pink on and off the field Toulouse back in the pink on and off the field
Search