RUGBY TRANSFERS – Future sealed for Pierre-Louis Barassi, double reinforcement at Oyonnax, François Mey to relaunch in Pro D2: transfer news for this Thursday, January 2.
Toulouse: Pierre-Louis Barassi returns
Sunday, after the victory over Stade Français which allowed it to end the year at the top of the Top 14, Stade Toulousain formalized no less than 10 extensions. But Pierre-Louis Barassi was not included in this list. Having left for a few weeks, his contract ended at the end of the current season. But his performances in recent weeks have clearly changed the situation.
Nevertheless, he was openly coveted by several Top 14 clubs, and we wondered if Toulouse would be able to keep control. The answer is yes, according to Midi Olympique. The center would be close to signing a new lease with its club joined in 2022 from Lyon. International three times, Pierre-Louis Barassi aims to find the Blues, and since the opening is real in the center of the XV of France, he seems to have chosen continuity to achieve this.
Dicodusport's review : Barassi changed the minds of Stade Toulousain with the quality of his performances, and if he continues his momentum, it's a real win-win deal.
Oyonnax: Two recruits to restart the machine
Having moved up to the Top 14 in 2023 with ambitions, Oyonnax was unable to realize them and had to immediately go down to the lower level. Problem, the machine seems to be stuck, since at mid-season, the USO is in 13th place in the Pro D2 ranking with 6 victories for 9 defeats. Thus, the objective of moving up into the elite is on the wane.
Instead of shaking everything up, the Aindinois club chose to add veterans to stabilize the team. So, Cameron Wright, former MHR scrum half, and Afusipa Taumoepeauwho made his mark in the Top 14, notably winning a title under the colors of Castres, are joining the USO until the end of the season. Two reinforcements aged 30 and 34 to play a real veteran role in an attempt to reach the play-offs.
Dicodusport's review : Two well-known players from the Top 14 who have the level to bring something to Oyonnax. However, this seems like a bandage on a wooden leg as the USO was supposed to dominate this season.
Clermont: François Mey loaned to Pro D2
Despite its unexpected defeat against Montpellier on Saturday, Clermont is having a convincing season. As proof, his 5th place halfway through the Top 14. Christophe Urios apparently succeeded in relaunching the ASM, by making choices. But of course, there are always players who are left behind in this scenario, and Francois Mey is one of them.
Landed in Clermont in 2022, the versatile three-quarter failed to make a hole in the Auvergne squad, with only three match sheets for ASM. A departure therefore seems logical for the Italian U20 international, and it is in Pro D2 that he will try to get back on track. He has just been loaned to Soyaux-Angoulême until the end of the season, and the SA XV, 5th in Pro D2 and in the fight for the play-offs, should offer him opportunities to express himself.
Dicodusport's review : A young talent who needs playing time to prove his value, Pro D2 is also there for that. The Italian should be able to relaunch in Charente.
