Aviron Bayonnais celebrates historic semi-final qualification after 43 years!

Aviron Bayonnais celebrates historic semi-final qualification after 43 years!

Emotional highs and triumphant return: Aviron Bayonnais celebrates its first semi-final qualification in 43 years with an impressive 20-3 victory over Clermont. In a thrilling barrage game that took place in the famous Jean-Dauger stadium, the Bayonnais were clearly the dominant team. But despite the victory, there were also critical moments, such as in the in-goal between Cheikh Tiberghien and Camille Lopez, which need to be analyzed in the upcoming semi-final against Toulouse. Manager Grégory Patat perceived the game not only as a step towards success, but as confirmation of a mixed but ultimately successful season. This reports Sud Ouest.

The team spirit was palpable and the cheers after the final whistle were unmistakable. Players and fans celebrate a historic victory that will go down in the club's chronicles. The game had a special meaning for Camille Lopez, who announced his retirement from professional sports this season. He highlighted that the support from the fans and the atmosphere in the stadium were remarkable. This was also confirmed by captain Arthur Iturria, who spoke not only about the sporting success, but also about the emotional connection to the city. Both players know that the upcoming game against Stade Toulousain will be anything but easy, but they are ready to take on the challenge, reports Le Figaro.

Historic return to the playoffs

Aviron Bayonnais' last semi-final appearance dates back to 1982. Since then, the club, which was founded in 1906, has often struggled to stay in the top league. Historically, the club has experienced both great highs and deep setbacks. He made his first mark in the championship final in 1913 when he played against S.C.U.F. won. In later years, successes such as winning the championship in 1935 and the Challenge Yves du Manoir in 1980 were recorded. Nevertheless, the club also experienced difficult times in the following decades, which made it a so-called “yo-yo club” with constant promotions and relegations. These successes and setbacks illustrate the club's long and varied history Wikipedia shows.

Now, with an eye on the challenges ahead, Aviron Bayonnais will head to Lyon for the semi-finals on Friday. The time until then is crucial for the players: recovery and medical checks are on the agenda on Saturday, followed by two intensive days of training to ensure that the team is well prepared for the encounter against one of the strongest teams in the Top 14.