Nissa Rugby secures €4.6 million guarantee and appeals five‑point penalty

The Nice‑based rugby club Nissa Rugby has obtained a €4.6 million financial guarantee required by the rugby regulator A2R. The guarantee is being provided by Sport Inside Europe, backed by major shareholder Louis‑Vincent Gave, after several optimistic exchanges with Nice mayor Eric Ciotti, who said the city is ready to contribute €3.5 million and fund a new 1,400‑seat stand costing €10 million.

The club is contesting a five‑point deduction, a €40 000 fine and a relegation imposed by the Ligue Nationale de Rugby’s disciplinary council. Nissa Rugby has appealed the decision before the French Rugby Federation’s commission d’appel, scheduled for 9:30 a.m. on 7 August 2026 via videoconference. The appeal seeks to have the sanctions lifted, arguing that the financial guarantees resolve the original breach.