The announcement had the effect of a bomb, even if the trend was predictable. But it was the timing that surprised. Because after the demonstration of force of Provence Rugby, last Friday, against Oyonnax during the fifth day of Pro D2, the general manager of Aix, Mauricio Reggiardo, announced to his players at the end of the meeting that he would leave the club at the end of the season.
The end of the Reggiardo cycle
Why this announcement so quickly when Aix, former unfortunate semi-finalist, will attack the 2nd block of the championship in a good 4th place? “Because you have to know not to spend a year too long, explains the Argentinian technician. And that things needed to be clarified. There are cycles in life and I think this is the end of mine in Aix.”
Reggiardo had announced to its president, Denis Philipon, that he would warn the players after this Oyonnax match, whatever the outcome of the match. “I wanted to be transparent with the players and the staff. Of course, I intend to succeed this season and achieve the objectives set. I still have plenty of energy to give for this last one.”
At the end of his contract in June 2025, Reggiardo did not feel the club’s deep desire to continue an adventure started in 2021.It’s true that this is my fourth season in Aix. Each season, the club has grown, structuring itself as a solid contender for the Top 14. We have beaten the objectives set each year. But I didn’t want to stay for the sake of staying. The arrival of Philippe Saint-André in 2025 as director of rugby is also the start of a new cycle. Philippe will undoubtedly arrive with his team, his men, it’s logical. The project is important with 17 players at the end of their contract but also part of the staff (Rémy Ladauge in defense and Julien Dupuy in the three-quarter) extended, Editor’s note)President Philipon and Philippe will get to work on it.”
The arrival of Saint-André still weighed heavily in this decision. “No, I knew that the president wanted Philippe as director of rugby. We had discussions with Philippe, it went well. But frankly, I needed to take a break, to be with my family, my loved ones.”
What role for Saint-André?
If certain rumors send Reggiardo to Toulouse with Ugo Mola, the former international pillar kicks in: “He has been my friend for years and our adventure in Mazamet. We said one day that we could work together again, but that’s not on the cards at the moment.”
Inevitably, the question of its replacement will quickly arise. And the club management undoubtedly already has ideas in mind. If President Denis Philipon did not want to linger on the subject, preferring to concentrate on the coming season, he is not holding back nothing.
Give the keys to the truck to Philippe Saint-André for a return as manager after his last experience in Montpellier (November 2023) or will the former coach of the France team choose his new XXL staff? Everything will depend above all on the future of Provence Rugby.
Pro D2 or Top 14? To be continued.
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