Grenoble, the runner-up of the Pro D2 championship and defeated in the final by Oyonnax, did not steal their place to play for promotion to the Top 14.
This is an opponent that USAP has encountered frequently in recent years, notably in 2018 during the Pro D2 final. At the time, the Catalans won by a wide margin (38-18). Five years later, these two teams (who have faced each other four times since in Pro D2) will meet again. Once again, a place in the Top 14 is at stake, and Grenoble has shown this season that they are a serious contender.
A very serious season
After a difficult 2021-2022 season (12th), nothing predicted that Grenoble would play in the top of the table this season. But the club, by relying on a talented generation from its training center, has managed to take the championship in hand from the beginning of the season. Even the loss of Ange Capuozzo, their rising star, who left for Stade Toulousain, did not slow them down. Grenoble finished in second place, behind the untouchable Oyonnax, which allowed them to avoid a play-off and go straight to the semi-finals. All of this despite receiving a penalty of five points (two of which were suspended) in December for « non-compliance with the budgetary control imposed by the LNR ». Above all, Grenoble had a fantastic year in 2023, with 11 wins, two draws, and only three losses. At home, FCG was very serious. They lost twice, against Provence Rugby and against Oyonnax, and drew twice, against Biarritz and Carcassonne. Overall, unlike Oyonnax, which shone through the power of its forwards, Grenoble showed undeniable playing qualities.
An incredible semi-final, a locked-down final
During the playoffs, Grenoble showed two faces. In the semi-final, they were caught off guard by Mont-de-Marsan and its dynamic wingers. Trailing 14-0 after fifteen minutes of play, they bounced back marvelously and scored five tries, each different, showing their ability to play with variety, with forwards capable of causing damage and speedy backs who know how to finish actions. However, with a final score of 36-27, they also received a serious warning: playing like this exposes them in defense.
In the final (a 14-3 loss to Oyonnax), the opposite occurred. The Grenoblois were long unbeatable in defense, despite having been under pressure for most of the game. They managed to steal lineouts, win turnovers, and counter the ball-carrying of the future Pro D2 champions, who were formidable in these areas. But unlike the semi-final, the attack was more complicated. They never really had a chance to score.
A team at the end of a cycle
Behind the scenes, Grenoble also had a curious season. Between rumors of takeovers, the arrival of a new main sponsor, and especially the announcement, as early as January, of the departure of part of the coaching staff at the end of the season, the news was busy. Fabien Gengenbacher, the manager, and Arnaud Héguy (forwards coach) announced early on that they would leave the club. A few weeks later, President Nicolas Cuynat, weakened within the shareholder pact, took advantage of a capital restructuring to announce his withdrawal and the appointment of… Fabien Gengenbacher as deputy president for next season.
These backstage upheavals have united the team, which wants to finish on a high note. Especially since several key players, including winger Lucas Dupont, who has spent almost his entire career at the club, as well as fly-half Thomas Fortunel and third-row Tanginoa Halaifonua, are also leaving. They all dreamed of winning the Pro D2 championship to finish in style. It won’t be the case, but they see themselves making up for it with a promotion to the Top 14…
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