Rugby (National): Stado Tarbes PR without Cross but with Matalaweru and Swanpoele!

The Stado is getting into gear even though it has recorded a defection: “For personal reasons, Sam Cross will not spend the season with us,” the Tarbes club announced.
Announced in mid-May to strengthen the Tarbes third line where Len Massy still remains uncertain, the Welsh international has therefore chosen to continue his career elsewhere.

Extensions

On the good news side and there is plenty of it with the confirmation of a good number of players in the squad for next season like Mickaël Thebault, for 1 year: “Coming from VRDR, Mickaël was able to assert himself during last season with 19 matches to his credit, he will continue in our colours for the coming season”, or Vincent Dollier (1 year): “Arriving last summer from Mont-de-Marsan, Vincent was able to find a place in the Tarbes squad by participating in 13 matches this season! A solid hooker with his own fighting qualities, we are happy to be able to count on him for the coming season”.

We will also have to take into account Jean Guicherd (1 year): “Arriving last summer from Bayonne’s hopefuls, Jean has managed to find a place in Bigourdan soil with 11 matches this season under our colours. Present in the combat zones and always keen to give the best of himself, we are happy to be able to count on him next season.”

Arrivals

Other good news, Stado announced the signings of Joeli Matalaweru for a period of 1 year.

Player of Fijian origin in the 2nd line position, “Joeli comes to us straight from the Brive club. Having participated in 2 Champions Cup matches with his club, a new challenge awaits him in Bigourdane for next season.

Another signing for a period of one year + 1 year option, that of the Namibian international Tiaan Swanepoel.
Full-back but also versatile in other positions, having arrived from South Africa 2 years ago, Tiaan played for the Valence d’Agen club in national 2 from 2022 to 2024.