Libourne coach Beka eyes promotion as Bayonne releases Australian forward Stait

Roland Beka, coach of Libourne Rugby Club, said the team has 24 players training since the restart and is following a structured schedule of four sessions per week early in the preparation period, then three trainings and a match. The club’s recruitment is focused locally, with several former “Pingouins” returning and a few new signings added. Beka highlighted the aim of reaching Regional 1 within three years, stressing that the squad’s cohesion has improved compared to two seasons ago.

Australian second‑rower Aiden Stait, who joined Aviron Bayonnais in 2023 after encouragement from former Wallabies captain Will Skelton, left the club at the end of his contract without making a Top 14 appearance. Over three seasons he only played five matches with the Espoirs side. Stait is returning to Australia to resume his career with the Brumbies, acknowledging that the French stint did not work out as hoped.