Former Top 14 champions and Champions Cup finalists Biarritz Olympique have been relegated from Pro D2 to Nationale by the LNR (Ligue Nationale de Rugby).
The league’s financial oversight committee had placed the club under close scrutiny amid concerns over its financial health.
The club failed to provide guarantees of future investment that would allow it to overcome the financial problems that have plagued the French Basque side since 2020.
Biarritz Olympique battled relegation across the past two seasons, only managing to retain their Pro D2 status near the end of each campaign.
The transition from the previous board led by Jean-Baptiste Aldigé—now at the helm of Stade Niçois—to the current setup was far from smooth, but Shaun Hegarty, Marc Baget and Flip van der Merwe appeared to be turning the page for the historic club.
Ultimately, the LNR was not satisfied with their assurances and has confirmed Biarritz’s relegation to the French third tier. The club will also begin the season with a six-point deduction following breaches of financial and budgetary regulations.
Biarritz Olympique has seven days to appeal the decision and make their case to avoid what would be a deeply damaging relegation for one of French rugby’s most storied clubs.
The futures of Charlie Matthews, Cornell du Preez, Ekain Imaz, Kerman Aurrekoetxea and Zach Kibirige remain unclear should the club fail to reverse the decision, though all options are reportedly being considered.
While the club has not yet issued an official statement in response to the LNR ruling, it is understood that an appeal has already been lodged.
