Rugby: Stade Français on the brink of crisis, supporters fear relegation to Pro D2

Defeated by Racing 92, the Parisian club is playing for its survival in the French rugby elite at the end of the season. The players say they're hoping for a "spark."

A lost derby and the spectre of relegation. Stade Français lost to Racing 92 on Sunday, April 27 at the Paris-La Défense Arena (49-24) during the 22nd day of the Top 14. This pushed the Parisians (12th, 36 points) into a three-way battle for survival, with Vannes (14th, 35 points) and Perpignan (13th, 36 points) battling it out.

Yet, the fans had rallied on Sunday to lift their team, even setting off smoke bombs as the players arrived. But the good atmosphere quickly gave way to despondency. First and foremost, that of coach Paul Gustard, who was tight-lipped and had a black eye as he faced the journalists. "I'm ashamed of the team's performance... I'm ashamed," said the Briton, angry to see his players so apathetic.

Sekou Macalou, Stade Français's third row, admits: " It was good for a half, but we had to play for another 40 minutes. Today, we messed up, I think it was our last chance. "

" There's not necessarily a revolt, it hurts ," notes winger Lester Etien. "I've been here for seven years and I don't want to be the first generation to bring down this white club in Pro D2. It's part of Stade Français' DNA: when no one believes in it, that's when we're a bit incredible, let's say. So we're waiting for that spark ." The Parisian is right on one point: no one sees Stade Français, the third-largest club in the league, but unable to win an away game this season, saving its head.

Even the longest-serving supporters, like Rémi, are disillusioned. " We have the dog of relegation chasing us. It would be heartbreaking to go down, we'd be heartbroken. We're all children of Max Guazzini..." A reference to the club's iconic former president who, at the time, put the capital on the French rugby map with pink jerseys and pre-match shows.

On the next league matchday, in two weeks, the capital's players will travel to Catalonia. After the final four matches, the bottom team in this three-way battle will be relegated, and the second-to-last team will play for their place in the top flight in a match on the home turf of the Pro D2 runner-up.