Capable of winning at home against European champion Toulouse, LOU Rugby will have suffered enormously far from its bases. Photos © DR and Saby Maviel for Lyon People
Text: Jean-Irénée Riva – During the 2023-2024 season, LOU Rugby showed mixed performances, with strength at home but struggles away from home. Captain Baptiste Couilloud shone with 16 tries, contributing to 65% of the team’s scores. Despite a disappointing season, LOU ranked second at home.
Ups and downs: A tumultuous season for the Cubs
The 2023-2024 LOU Rugby season was characterized by contrasting performances, sparking mixed reactions among supporters and staff. In the Top 14, the team showed consistency, but suffered crucial defeats against opponents like Perpignan and Montpellier, jeopardizing a better position for the final stages.
Although the attack, led by talents like Baptiste Couilloud et Charlie Ngataihas shown flashes of brilliance, it has often lacked consistency and has not always been able to score at critical moments. The forward pack, despite dominating in some games, has also struggled in decisive encounters, costing valuable points.
In the European Cup, the run was disappointing with early eliminations following close defeats, revealing flaws in game strategy and a lack of bench depth to support the team’s efforts throughout the competition. .
The rise of young talents and new recruits
However, some promising young talents have emerged this season, providing hope for the club’s future. Regarding recruitment, LOU Rugby has already announced several arrivals and departures for the 2024/2025 season.
Photo © Icon Sport
Among the new recruits is the Argentinian Thomas Lavanini coming from Clermont or Charlie CassangThe scrum-half has signed a 3-year contract with LOU Rugby, starting July 1, 2024, as has his partner, Theo Millet (US Oyonnax).
The Georgian right pillar, Irakli Aptsiauri (FC Grenoble) will be present for 4 years from 1is July 2024. These players then bring new life to the team, as does the French international, Cédâtes Gomes Sa (Racing 92), whose signing was announced by our colleagues from Le Progrès.
Stability and continuity: key extensions for an ambitious LOU Rugby
In addition to these reinforcements, LOU Rugby has also managed to secure the contract extensions of several key players in recent weeks, ensuring the continuity of the team for the seasons to come. Among these players loyal to the red and black jersey, we find Killian Geracia pillar in the second line whose physical presence and experience will be valuable.
Léo Berdeu will be there again next season.
In 3rd line, Arno Botha, Maxime Gouzou, Becca Saginage et Liam Allen will continue to bring their versatility and dynamism to the team. The opener position will be well guarded with the extensions of Leo Berdeu et Paddy Jacksontwo playmakers capable of orchestrating the attack and making crucial decisions on the field.
In the center, Josiah Maraku et Thibaut Regard will continue to offer their power and creativity to break through opposing defenses. Finally, at the back, Alexandre Tchaptchet (above)with his agility and his vision of the game, will also continue the adventure with LOU.
So, although the season had its positive moments, the results overall remained disappointing.
The team now needs to think deeply and work hard to prepare better. The various extensions and new contracts demonstrate the club’s desire to maintain a group of experienced and talented players who are familiar with the demands of the high level. This also helps strengthen team cohesion and stability, essential elements for aiming for even higher performances in future seasons.
