Rugby, Fédérale 2 (Vergt, Bergerac, Belvès): Who's leaving and who's staying? "DL" takes stock

The promoted Vernois, who narrowly missed qualification, are preparing to turn a page with a number of players leaving. "We opened an internal discussion and realized that some were reaching the end of their cycle," says co-coach Thierry Labrousse, who will still be partnered with Mathieu Queille next season. Thus, in addition to those announced for Bergerac, Florian Magne and William Schawlb are expected to leave the strawberry city, while the futures of Clément Loseille and Pierre Tournebize are not yet assured. On the recruiting front, as "DL" had already announced, we note the arrival of Marmande flanker and captain Nicolas Gal, expected to lead the forward pack. Vergt also officially confirmed the arrivals of Sarlat-la-Canéda prop Léo Bouty and Bergerac scrum-half Tristan Rodriguez. With ambitions to qualify, other highly targeted players will be joining the UAV very soon. This is the case of Louis Martin, hooker from CAP, who, according to our information, should don the green and white jersey, as well as Mayron Taillet (see page 12), fly-half from Trélissac, who will bring with him Lucas Lasjaunias, center from RCT.

And what about Bergerac and Belvès?

Still competing in the French league, Bergerac isn't necessarily focused on the transfer window. However, two key player departures have been confirmed, with Emiliano Racca, a solid 35-year-old Argentinian prop who arrived on the banks of the Dordogne in 2017, heading to neighboring Issigeac. More surprising is the departure of Florian Lajonie, captain and key player in the pack, for professional reasons incompatible with the Fédérale 2. He will wear the colors of Lalinde, which plays in Régionale 1. In terms of new arrivals, Gwendal Vidalie, Mathis Bruyère, Thomas Noel, and Anthony Battistello, who played for Vergt this season, should strengthen the Bergerac ranks. Among the coaches, the duo of Rémi Escudier and Renaud Delmas has been retained.

Finally, at Belvès, as every year, several juniors will join the senior squad for the next season. Obviously, to maintain their position after two years where the axe has been cut, the club will seek to strengthen its position with a few external players. The possibility of Baptiste Arvouet, a CAP player, has long been explored. But the hooker is not expected to reunite with and play with his brother Benoit, Belvédès' captain and second row. Announced as leaving, it is ultimately possible that third row Antoine Ruchaud will remain. Discussions have resumed with the management. However, all coaches (first and reserve) will remain, ensuring stability to prepare for the next season.