Bayonne rugby confronts scrum‑half vacancy as pre‑season prep ramps up

Aviron Bayonnais is scrambling to fill the number‑9 jersey for the 2026‑2027 Top 14 campaign. After the likely loss of a third scrum‑half, the club’s hopes of retaining Springbok Herschel Jantjies have dimmed following his call‑up to South Africa’s national side. With his contract running to 2027, Jantjies could be released, prompting Bayonne to consider options such as a possible return of veteran Guillaume Rouet, youngster Baptiste Tilloles (19) and recent recruit Léo Coly (26).

Meanwhile, head coach Sébastien Piqueronies has overseen the squad’s first week of pre‑season training in the Béarn region, including a hill‑climb on the Tour de France stage at Pau. The coaching staff emphasized gradual intensity, physical testing and injury prevention as they aim to improve on last season’s performance and meet the heightened demands of the upcoming Top 14 season.