The buyer of Biarritz Olympique, billionaire Pierre-Edouard Stérin spoke via Midi Olympique.
The latter explains how he found himself involved in this sporting project. Extract:
I learned of the difficulties of the BOPB, and with Madame Arosteguy, mayor of Biarritz, we became closer. As France prepares to host the Olympic Games, I found it incredible that the BO, which featured some of our greatest rugby players, several times French champions, an integral part of our sporting heritage, would disappear in the general indifference. Attached to the Basque Country, where I stay regularly, aware of the image that this historic club represents for this territory, I did not hesitate for a second to offer it my support.
He then talks about his relationship with rugby. Extract:
All the confrontations between the French XV and the All Blacks have always taken my breath away… There have been great episodes… But if there is one thing that particularly resonates, as for many French people, it is the journey of the French team during the last World Cup, and the exemplary organization of the competition on our territory… And if I have to talk about one player, it’s precisely Antoine Dupont, the little Mozart of French rugby. I admire his determination to defend the French colors. I am impressed by his choice to go for gold at the Paris Olympics in Rugby 7s. He demonstrates a keen sense of love for our colors.
He then explains why it was necessary to wait several weeks before the A2R validated the viability of the project. Extract:
This is the principle of an entrepreneurial adventure, there are surprises, difficulties and emotions! But it’s only the boats that stay in port that don’t encounter grain. I entered the project primarily to help, so without any particular pressure. In accordance with the wishes of A2R, we have responded to all their requests, there are incompressible deadlines. The main thing is that the regulatory authority has validated the maintenance of Biarritz in Pro D2.
He does not hide the fact that many investors have tried to recover the BO. Extract:
Biarritz has attracted a lot of interest and desire. There are many entrepreneurs, from Limoges or elsewhere, who wanted to support this club. I am associated with Shaun Hegarty and his two teammates, I invite you to ask them the question directly!
Although he will not make any direct decision regarding the athlete, Pierre-Edouard Stérin explains that he will come to Aguilera from time to time to watch his team’s matches. Extract:
I will come with great pleasure! Even if I’m going to be very honest, Biarritz is not completely in the center of France, and my schedule is quite busy…. But coming to the stadium as a family is a great pleasure in life, and an important thing in parent-child transmission.
