If Stade Français finds itself today in a barrier position, far from its semi-finalist status last season, it is clear how its latest recruitments have not been satisfactory…
From a Top 14 semi-finalist to a play-off position, Stade Français is experiencing an abysmal decline. The evil seems deep, Laurent Labit without solution. The Director of Rugby at the capital club assumes his share of responsibility. He said it on Saturday evening after the slap received by the UBB (19-46). He notably spoke about his choices. And we must recognize that Parisian recruitment over the last two years is far from living up to expectations. Yoan Tanga and Louis Carbonel, recruited with big checks to be released from their contract with Stade Rochelais or Montpellier, are the symbols of this failure. The first disappeared from the radar, the second saw his responsibility engaged in two of the six Bordeaux tests on Saturday late afternoon. These two were to carry the new stadist project, they are suffering.
Nicotera, Ezeala, Costa Storti…
Among the new faces arriving in the offseason, none really convinced. Giacomo Nicotera, crowned with Italian international status, has not made us forget the old Warrior Mickaël Ivaldi, Samuel Ezéala does not seem to be a first choice, Rafaele Costa-Storti has none of the “serial-marker” that he was in Béziers (Pro D2). As for Pierre Huguet, he was often absent due to injury. And what about the past recruitments of Jules Gimbert or Pierre Boudehent? The first has just been loaned to Nice in Pro D2, the second has only started once this season. It was in the Champions Cup. And there are no appearances in the Top 14. Obviously, other parameters can explain the Parisian situation, but this is one of the most obvious today.
