FC Grenoble Rugby

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FC Grenoble Rugby
FC Grenoble.gif
Full nameFootball Club de Grenoble Rugby
Nickname(s)The foreign Legion (1954)
The Mammoths (1991-1994)
The Pacific Connection (1999)
Founded1892;132 years ago (1892)
Location Grenoble, France
Ground(s) Stade des Alpes (Capacity: 20,068)
PresidentPatrick Goffi
Coach(es) Aubin Hueber
League(s) Pro D2
2023–24 4th
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Team kit
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2nd kit
Official website
fcgrugby.com

The Football Club de Grenoble Rugby (FCG) is a French rugby union club based in Grenoble and founded in 1892.

Contents

FCG was champion of France in 1954 and runner-up in 1993 during a controversial final, being deprived of the title of champion of France following a refereeing error. [1]

The club also won the Challenge Yves du Manoir in 1987 and was finalist in 1969, 1986 and 1990.

FC Grenoble played in the Top 14, the top level of the French league system, for the 2019–2020 season, but were relegated to Pro D2 at the season end. Grenoble have played home matches at the Stade des Alpes (capacity 20,068) since 2014–2015. The club's colors are red and blue. The FCG is currently chaired by Patrick Goffi. The first team is supervised by several specialists: Aubin Hueber as head coach, Nicolas Nadau senior coach, Patrick Pézery forwards coach and Tom Palmer defence coach.

History

The club was founded in 1892 following the merger of the main clubs in Grenoble in Rhône-Alpes.

Runners-up French Championship 1918

After becoming champions of the Alps in 1912, FCG reached the final of the Coupe de l'Espérance in 1918, which replaced the old championship of France during the First World War. Since then Grenoble have regularly featured in the finals. Grenoble contributed notable players to the original French National Team, among them Edmond Besset and Felix Lasserre and Edmond Vellat. In 1931, Grenoble was one of 14 clubs who left the French Rugby Federation to create their own organization, UFRA.

French Champion 1954

In 1954, the first team, then coached by Roger Bouvarel, wrote the most beautiful page in the history of the club. The team was nicknamed by the press the foreign Legion. FC Grenoble won his first Bouclier de Brennus and became champion of France after a 5–3 victory against the U.S. Cognac.

Champions in 1954 :

1. René Martin 2. Innocent Bionda 3. René Duhau
4. Paul Rein 5. Duilio Parolai
6. Sergio Lanfranchi 8. Eugène Smogor 7. Henri Coquet
9. Jean Liénard 10. Roger Baqué
11. Michel Pliassoff 12. Guy Belletante (c) 13. Georges Echevet 14. André Morel
15. Pierre Claret

Runners-up European Championship 1963

With Jean Liénard became coach, Grenoble played the final of the European Champion Clubs' Cup FIRA in 1963.

Runners-up of the Challenge Yves du Manoir 1969

In 1969, Grenoble bows in the final of the Challenge Yves du Manoir against the US Dax on the score of 24–12.

Runners-up of the Challenge Yves du Manoir 1986

In 1986, Grenoble bows in the final of the Challenge Yves du Manoir against the AS Montferrand on the score of 22–15.

Winner of the Challenge Yves du Manoir 1987

In 1987, Grenoble won the Challenge Yves du Manoir against the SU Agen on the score of 26–7. This is the second major trophy for the club.

The winners of the Challenge Yves du Manoir in 1987 :

1. Bernard Vacchino 2. Éric Ferruit 3. Jean-Marc Romand
4. Willy Pepelnjak (c) 5. Hervé Chaffardon
6. Gilbert Brunat 8. Stéphane Géraci 7. Christophe Monteil
9. Dominique Mazille 10. Pierre Mathias
11. Philippe Meunier and Thierry Picard 12. Alain Gély 13. Patrick Mesny 14. Richard Zago
15. Gilles Claret

Runners-up of the Challenge Yves du Manoir 1990

In 1990, Grenoble bows in the final of the Challenge Yves du Manoir against the RC Narbonne on the score of 24–19.

A second French championship Title denied following a refereeing error 1993

The arrival of Jacques Fouroux in control of the team for the 1992-93 season associated with Michel Ringeval marks the beginning of a new era called the Mammoths of Grenoble. [2] Despite overpowering pack Grenoble tilts on the score of 14–11. [3] A try of Olivier Brouzet is denied to Grenoble [4] and the decisive try by Gary Whetton was awarded by the referee, Daniel Salles, when in fact the defender Franck Hueber from Grenoble touched down the ball first in his try zone. This error gave the title to Castres. [5] Salles admitted the error 13 years later [6] . [7] . [8] Fouroux conflict with the Federation and who was already suspicious before the match of the referee [9] cry out conspiracy. [10]

Players Championship controversial Final in 1993 :

1. Philippe Tapié 2. Éric Ferruit 3. Franck Capdeville
4. Olivier Merle 5. Olivier Brouzet
6. Grzegorz Kacała 8. Džoni Mandić 7. Hervé Chaffardon (c)
9. Dominique Mazille and Franck Hueber 10. Patrick Goirand
11. Philippe Meunier 12. Frédéric Vélo 13. Willy Taofifénua 14. Brice Bardou
15. Cyril Savy

Since then the club has struggled.

First participation in the Heineken Cup 2000

FC Grenoble play the 1999–2000 Heineken Cup in Pool 6. FCG is the only team to beat Nothampton the future winner of the event.

TeamPWDLTries forTries againstTry diffPoints forPoints againstPoints diffPts
Flag of England.svg Northampton 650119712184879710
Flag of France.svg FC Grenoble63031315−2110140−306
Flag of Scotland.svg Edinburgh Reivers 63031319−6112158−466
Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg Neath 61051317−4128149−212
Results
DateStadiumTeamScoreTeam
19 November Netherdale, Galashiels Flag of Scotland.svg Edinburgh 23 - 18FC Grenoble
27 November Lesdiguières, Grenoble Flag of France.svg FC Grenoble20 - 18 Northampton Saints
11 December The Gnoll, Neath Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg Neath RFC 43 - 14FC Grenoble
18 December Lesdiguières, Grenoble Flag of France.svg FC Grenoble21 - 10 Neath RFC
9 January Franklin's Gardens, Northampton Flag of England.svg Northampton Saints 27 - 16FC Grenoble
15 January Lesdiguières, Grenoble Flag of France.svg FC Grenoble21 - 19 Edinburgh

Descent and come back in the elite

FC Grenoble Playing in the Top 14 in 2014 Us Oyonnax vs. FC Grenoble Rugby, 29th March 2014.jpg
FC Grenoble Playing in the Top 14 in 2014

They were relegated to the French second division and came back again. At the end of 2004–05, they were relegated to the French second division, Rugby Pro D2, after the top level was reduced from sixteen to fourteen teams. However, they were relegated even further, to the amateur Fédérale 1, due to financial problems; an audit of the club's books revealed debts of €3.64 million as of 30 June 2005. [11] They earned promotion back to the professional ranks at the first opportunity, and played in Pro D2, in 2006–07; they finished their first season back in ProD2 in fourteenth place (out of sixteen), surviving the drop by one point over Limoges. They ended the 2007–08 season in eighth, close to the play-offs. In 2010–11 Grenoble finished second, losing the play-off semi-final game at home against Union Bordeaux Bègles. In 2011–12 Grenoble finished first, securing their return to the Top 14 for the 2012–13 season. In their first season back in the top flight, they were in contention for a playoff place early in the season, but faded to 11th, still safely above the relegation zone. After the 2016–17 season, Grenoble have been relegated to the Pro D2 and in the 2017–18 season, ProD2 runners-up Grenoble have been promoted to the Top14, after a 47–22 victory over Oyonnax. The promotion/relegation play-off win sees Grenoble head back to the French top flight, having dropped down this time last season.

Honours

Finals results

French championship

DateWinnersScoreRunners-upVenueSpectators
23 May 1954FC Grenoble 5-3 US Cognac Stadium Municipal, Toulouse 34,230
5 June 1993 Castres Olympique 14-11 FC Grenoble Parc des Princes, Paris 49,061

Coupe de l'Espérance

DateWinnersScoreRunners-upVenueSpectators
28 april 1918 Racing Club de France 22-9 FC Grenoble Stade du Matin, Colombes 3000

Challenge Yves du Manoir

DateWinnerScoreRunner-upVenueSpectators
24 May 1969 US Dax 24–12FC Grenoble Stade Olympique Yves-du-Manoir, Colombes 2,902
1 May 1986 AS Montferrand 22-15FC Grenoble Stadium, Brive-la-Gaillarde 10,400
10 May 1987FC Grenoble26–7 SU Agen Parc des Sports Et de l'Amitié, Narbonne 3,200
19 May 1990 RC Narbonne 24–19FC Grenoble Stade du Hameau, Pau 5,500

Current standings

2024–25 Pro D2 Table
PosTeam
PldWDLPFPAPDTBLBPtsQualification
1 Provence 10613245192+533231Semi-final promotion playoff place
2 Grenoble 10703263229+342131
3 Montauban 10703274251+231231Quarter-final promotion playoff place
4 Brive 10604265217+483229
5 Biarritz 10604249234+152127
6 Béziers 10505252191+612527
7 Soyaux Angoulême 10523225215+101126
8 Colomiers 10514212235−230224
9 Agen 10406230232−20521
10 Mont-de-Marsan 10406264247+172321
11 Dax 10505192219−270121
12 Nevers 10406194243−491219
13 Oyonnax 10406201217−161118
14 Aurillac 10406231282−510117
15 Nice 10307193267−740416 Relegation play-off
16 Valence Romans 10307255274−190315Relegation to Nationale
Updated to match(es) played on 8 November 2024. Source:

Current squad

The squad for the 2023–24 season is: [12] [13]

Note: Flags indicate national union under World Rugby eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-World Rugby nationality.

PlayerPositionUnion
Lilian Rossi Hooker Flag of France.svg France
Mathis Sarragallet Hooker Flag of France.svg France
Irakli Aptsiauri Prop Flag of Georgia.svg Georgia
Éli Eglaine Prop Flag of France.svg France
Zack Gauthier Prop Flag of France.svg France
Luka Goginava Prop Flag of Georgia.svg Georgia
Siua Halanukonuka Prop Flag of Tonga.svg Tonga
Régis Montagne Prop Flag of France.svg France
Vincent Vial Prop Flag of France.svg France
Giorgi Javakhia Lock Flag of Georgia.svg Georgia
Thomas Lainault Lock Flag of France.svg France
José Madeira Lock Flag of Portugal.svg Portugal
Brandon Nansen Lock Flag of Samoa.svg Samoa
Pierce Phillips Lock Flag of England.svg England
Antonin Berruyer Back row Flag of France.svg France
Steeve Blanc-Mappez Back row Flag of France.svg France
Tala Gray Back row Flag of Australia (converted).svg Australia
Thibaut Martel Back row Flag of France.svg France
Pio Muarua Back row Flag of Fiji.svg Fiji
PlayerPositionUnion
Barnabé Couilloud Scrum-half Flag of France.svg France
Eric Escande Scrum-half Flag of France.svg France
Felipe Ezcurra Scrum-half Flag of Argentina.svg Argentina
Romain Barthélémy Fly-half Flag of France.svg France
Sam Davies Fly-half Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg Wales
Bautista Ezcurra Centre Flag of Argentina.svg Argentina
Romain Fusier Centre Flag of France.svg France
Terrence Hepetema Centre Flag of New Zealand.svg New Zealand
Romain Trouilloud Centre Flag of France.svg France
Geoffrey Cros Centre Flag of France.svg France
Erwan Dridi Wing Flag of France.svg France
Nathan Farissier Wing Flag of France.svg France
Atu Manu Wing Flag of Tonga.svg Tonga
Karim Qadiri Wing Flag of France.svg France
Julien Farnoux Fullback Flag of France.svg France

    Espoirs squad

    Prospective players who have not yet appeared professionally this season. [14]

    Note: Flags indicate national union under World Rugby eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-World Rugby nationality.

    PlayerPositionUnion
    Léo Boullier Hooker Flag of France.svg France
    Barnabé Massa Hooker Flag of France.svg France
    Theo Lavoine Prop Flag of France.svg France
    Giorgi Mamaiashvili Prop Flag of Georgia.svg Georgia
    Sascha Mistrulli Prop Flag of France.svg France
    Hilan Delbois Lock Flag of France.svg France
    Davit Lagvilava Lock Flag of Georgia.svg Georgia
    Quentin Dubois Back row Flag of France.svg France
    Victor Guillaumond Back row Flag of France.svg France
    Diego Pinheiro Ruiz Back row Flag of France.svg France
    Michka Reviriego Back row Flag of France.svg France
    PlayerPositionUnion
    Kelian Boissier Scrum-half Flag of France.svg France
    Max Clement Fly-half Flag of France.svg France
    Hugo Trouilloud Fly-half Flag of France.svg France
    Martin Blanquart Centre Flag of France.svg France
    Jules Escoffier Centre Flag of France.svg France
    Loris Prin Centre Flag of France.svg France
    Wilfried Hulleu Wing Flag of France.svg France

    Staff

    PositionNameNationality
    Head Coach Aubin Hueber Flag of France.svg  FRA
    Senior CoachNicolas NadauFlag of France.svg  FRA
    Forwards CoachPatrick PézeryFlag of France.svg  FRA
    Defence Coach Tom Palmer Flag of France.svg  FRA

    Notable former players

    French international that the club has provided

    Tee

    Cyril Savy is the first player to use a tee in France in 1993. [15] In the semi-finals at the last minute of the game when the FCG faces SU Agen, Savy succeeds a penalty a goal of 60m and gets an overtime. His club came out victorious before being deprived of a title of champion of France on a refereeing error in a controversial final against Castres Olympique. [16]

    See also

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    References

    1. ↑ "Olivier Merle : "J'ai créé mon couteau, le Merluche"". sport24.lefigaro.fr. February 24, 2017. Archived from the original on March 29, 2019. Retrieved March 25, 2019.
    2. ↑ "Pro D2. Auch. La chasse aux mammouths est ouverte". www.ladepeche.fr. October 18, 2008. Retrieved March 25, 2019.
    3. ↑ "Castres et " la magie du rugby "". www.republicain-lorrain.fr. 3 June 2013. Retrieved 21 August 2013.
    4. ↑ "Combien de fois Bayonne s'est imposé dans la capitale ?". www.rugbyrama.fr. Midi olympique. 3 January 2013. Retrieved 21 August 2013.
    5. ↑ "MICHEL RINGEVAL (PART 2): " AU BOUT D'UN QUART D'HEURE, J'AI COMPRIS QU'ON NE GAGNERAIT PAS"". lesportdauphinois.com. November 19, 2016. Archived from the original on February 12, 2019. Retrieved March 25, 2019.
    6. ↑ "Finale Castres-Grenoble 93 : l'insupportable aveu de l'arbitre Salles". rugbyolympic.com. 12 December 2006. Archived from the original on 9 December 2012. Retrieved 12 June 2014.
    7. ↑ "Daniel Salles à propos de Castres-Grenoble en 1993 : " Je me suis trompé "". sudouest. 1 June 2013. Retrieved 24 October 2013.
    8. ↑ "Parc des Princes, Paris, 5 Juin 1993". LNR. 28 December 2004. Retrieved 24 October 2012.
    9. ↑ Salviac, Pierre (9 September 2015). Merci pour ces moments: 50 ans de grands reportages. Hachette Book. ISBN   9791093463247 . Retrieved March 25, 2019.
    10. ↑ "Top 14: Toulon-Castres, souviens-toi, il y a vingt ans..." www.lepoint.fr. June 1, 2013. Retrieved March 25, 2019.
    11. ↑ "Grenoble drop out". rugbyrugby.com. Archived from the original on July 9, 2011. Retrieved 29 November 2006.
    12. ↑ "FCG - FC Grenoble - Players". FC Grenoble. Retrieved 7 August 2018.
    13. ↑ "Grenoble squad for season 2023/2024". all.rugby. Retrieved 2024-06-10.
    14. ↑ "Joueurs espoirs qui ne sont pas encore apparus en pro cette saison". FC Grenoble. Retrieved 7 August 2023.
    15. ↑ Duboisset, François; Viard, Frédéric (5 February 2015). Le Rugby pour les Nuls, édition spéciale Coupe du monde 2015. ISBN   978-2-7540-7383-7 . Retrieved March 25, 2019.
    16. ↑ "Gerry Thornley: Grenoble's Jackman fast becoming one of top Irish coaches". irishtimes. April 12, 2016. Retrieved March 25, 2019.
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