Perpignan

One to watch: Dan Carter (when he arrives)

- 2008/9 Season Preview -

Club Details

Union Sportive Arlequins Perpignan Rouss

Stade Aimé Giral

Allée Aimé Giral

66000 Perpignan

Stadium Capacity: 13,000

Website: www.usap.fr

Founded: 1902

Last time around: 4th. Perpignan started the 2007/8 season is shaky fashion but bounced back to produce a fantastic second half to the season which included a ten-match undefeated run and perfect record at home. The reversal of fortune was not enough to help them break into the big-time however as defeats in the Top 14 semi-finals (to Clermont) and Heineken Cup quarter-finals (to London Irish) left them trophyless.

This time? Perpignan broke the bank and splashed out in procuring the services of Dan Carter in the hope he will provide the extra little bit they need to run with the big dogs. Maxime Mermoz arriving from Toulouse is another good signing.

Coachs: Jacques Brunel, Bernard Goutta and Franck Azema. Brunel joined the Catalans after being in assistant forwards coach for France. Not known for mincing his words his façon d'etre is very similar to his preferred play style - very direct. Goutta, a former French international who spent thirteen seasons at Perpignan as a player, was appointed forwards coach at Brunel's request. Backs coach Azema is also a former player and is a well-respected figure in French coaching circles.

One to watch: Who else could it be? The biggest name in world rugby, Dan Carter is heading for the Catalan coast for a short-lived but highly lucrative sabbatical. Every loose forward and hard-hitting centre in France will be rubbing their hands at what be their only chance to sock one to Monsieur Carter. The Top 14 is known for being, shall be say, physical. The All Black pin-up boy isn't afraid of a bit of rough stuff, but how well be copes with the 'special' treatment could make or break Perpignan's season.

Final 2008/9 league position prediction: 3rd.

In: Farid Sid (wing, Brive), Maxime Mermoz (centre, Toulouse), Daniel Carter (fly-half, Crusaders).

Out: Percy Montgomery (full-back, Western Province), Christophe Porcu (lock, retired), Federico Martín-Aramburu (wing, Dax), Cédric Rosalen (fly-half, Montauban), Michael Ladhuie (Montpellier).

Colours: Red and yellow / light blue and white.

Tickets: 10 - 15 Euros

Travel connections:

By plane: From Perpignan - Rivesaltes Airport take the D117 follwing the signs to 'Narbonne'. Turn right into "avenue du Maréchal Joffre" then left into "Allée Aimé Giral."

By car: From the A9 highway take the "Perpignan Nord" exit then follow the directions to "Perpignan Centre" and finally turn off following the signs to "Aimé Giral."

By train or bus: From the train station take bus No.2 to Avenue Languedoc and get off at Aimé Giral.