Castres

One to watch: Lionel Nallet

- 2008/9 Season Preview -

Club Details

Castres Olympique

Stade Pierre-Antoine

Rue de Bisséous

81100 Castres

Stadium Capacity: 9,423

Website: www.castres-olympique.fr

Founded: 1906

Last time around: 5th Castres were the revelation of the 2007/2008 season. After a disastrous start, they made a remarkable comeback, epitomised by victories on the road to heavyweights Clermont and Biarritz. Coach Alain Gaillard arrived in December to find a team in eleventh place and was able to turn their fortunes around. CO will however rue their inconsistency: defeats to Montpellier (at home) and away to Bayonne cost them a spot in the play-offs.

This time? Castres will be hard-pressed to repeat last year's heroics, especially since their resources will be stretched rather thin by their participation in the Heineken Cup. Qualifying for another season in Europe will be their goal and with a bit of luck, should be within their reach. The loss of Gerhard Vosloo will almost certainly have a negative impact on their back row.

Coach: Alain Gaillard has said that this season will be a lot harder than the last. He's also said however that they will not be satisfied with anything less than European qualification. Gaillard had a limited budget for recruitment and with the exception of Chris Masoe, avoided big-name players, choosing rather to focus on players who would be able to quickly integrate into his group.

One to watch: If ever there was captain that led by example, Lionel Nallet is the man. France's skipper was literally a tower of strength for Castres all season, starting in nearly every game, dominating line-outs and always playing his heart out. Castres' fortunes will rely quite heavily on Nallet's ability to steer clear of injury.

Final 2008/9 league position prediction: 7th

In: Steve Malonga (loose forward, Biarritz), Thomas Sanchou (centre, Albi), Salesi Sika (centre, Béziers), Kirill Koulemine (lock, Agen), Fabio Staibano (prop, Parma), Darren Nell (loose forward, Cheetahs), Ludovic Michaux (lock, Narbonne), Thomas Bouquié (full-back, Narbonne), Chris Masoe (loose foward, Hurricanes).

Out: Gerhard Vosloo (loose forward, Brive), Kees Meeuws (prop, Llanelli), Pablo Canavosio (scrum-half, Calvisano), Julien Puricelli (loose forward, Bayonne), Laurent Marticonera (centre, Dax), Olivier Benassis (wing, Béziers).

Colours: Blue and white

Tickets: 14 Euros

Travel connections: Stade Pierre-Antoine is around 2km from the Castres train station.

By air: Castres has a small airport and can be reached from Paris or Lyon.

By train: If flying in from outside France the closest magor airport in Toulouse. Castres can be reached from anywhere in France by train.