Vannes Bolsters Hooker Depth with Loan of Pau‘s Hayam El-Bibouji
VANNES, FRANCE – Vannes Rugby Club has secured a loan deal for Pau Section hooker Hayam El-Bibouji for the remainder of the Pro D2 season, both clubs announced Monday. The move addresses an urgent need for the Bretons following a serious knee injury to Cyril Blanchard, sidelining him for the season, and the current unavailability of Théo Béziat.
The 23-year-old Moroccan international arrives in Morbihan seeking consistent playing time after recovering from an ankle injury sustained during Pau’s pre-season preparations, which prevented him from featuring in any matches this season. El-Bibouji previously played for Agen in Pro D2 last year, making ten appearances, and will now reinforce a Vannes squad that faced Grenoble with only Dave Cherry and the inexperienced Tom Sarthou – who played his first professional minute against grenoble – at the hooker position.
“Loaning Hayam to Vannes is an opportunity for him to match as he returns from injury and we are not suffering any injuries at the position,” explained Pau manager Sébastien Piqueronies in a club press release. “He will thus be able to accumulate playing time in a tough and demanding championship for his position, with the leader of Pro D2. As always, our staff will monitor his loan very regularly and Hayam will be able to re-join our squad if necessary.”
Vannes head coach Jean-Noël Spitzer will also be able to call upon James O’Reilly, a medical joker for the injured Blanchard, providing further cover and competition in the hooker role. El-Bibouji’s arrival is expected to substantially strengthen Vannes’ options as they continue their Pro D2 campaign.
