Fallen French giants issue statement after demotion to THIRD tier following financial irregularities
Biarritz gather behind their posts during a Pro D2 game versus Grenoble last January
Biarritz have insisted they will appeal their automatic relegation to the third tier of French rugby.
The twice Champions Cup finalists finished ninth in the Pro D2, defeating Colomiers at home last Friday to confirm a mid-table finish in the 16-team division.
However, they have since learned that they are to be relegated from Pro D2 to Nationale and start their 2025/26 campaign with a three-point deduction due to alleged financial irregularities.
Fall from grace
Automatic relegation to the third tier in France would represent a huge fall for the 2002, 2005 and 2006 Top 14 champions. They also contested Champions Cup finals in 2006 and 2010 while they were crowned Challenge Cup title winners in 2012, defeating Toulon in the decider in London just two years before they were relegated from the French top flight.
Biarritz, who came into the 2024/25 season with ambitious new owners, have issued a statement explaining they will appeal their automatic relegation to Nationale.
It read: “The Biarritz Olympic Basque takes note of the decision of the Rugby Regulation Authority (A2R) to declare its provisional administrative relegation at the end of the 2024/2025 financial year and a three-point deduction from the ranking of the 2025/2026 season.
“The club have already decided to appeal these decisions. It intends to cooperate fully with the authorities by providing all the necessary elements, attesting to its good faith, rigorous management and legitimacy to play in Pro D2.
Fought tirelessly
“The Biarritz Olympique Basque earned its retention in Pro D2 at the end of a season marked by many losses. Despite the difficulties encountered, the players, staff and the entire club fought tirelessly on the field to retain its place in this demanding championship.
“This decision does not challenge the deep commitment of the club in its development project, nor the mobilisation of all those who work every day to achieve its sustainability: employees, volunteers, partners and supporters.
“The Biarritz Olympic Basque remains united and determined to demonstrate that it deserves its place in Pro D2 and continues to work on the right preparation for the next season.”