The countdown for Pro D2 training has begun. The latter have only 40 days left to fine-tune the final adjustments before starting their season. Focus on the friendly matches scheduled for the month of August.
The 2022-2023 edition of the Pro D2 is fast approaching. A little closer to the start of the season, the 16 teams involved will embark on their traditional summer campaign of friendly matches. The goal: to be ready for the start of the season on Friday August 26th.
Massy and Aurillac to launch the ball for friendly matches
It is Aurillac and the promoted Massy who will be the first to test themselves on the field. The two Pro D2 teams will face each other on Friday July 29 at the Jean-Alric stadium. The first of a series of 3 matches for the recent champion of Nationale (3rd division). Indeed, Julien Maréchal’s men will then face Marcq-en-Baroeul on August 12 and especially the Stade Français on Friday August 19. The opportunity for the Ile-de-France residents to gain strength in order to quickly take points from the start of the season.
7th last season, Provence Rugby decided to face Carcassonne twice during this period of friendly matches. Thus, the two teams will meet in Barcarès on Thursday August 4th then 7 days later in Pontet. Two oppositions against the surprise team of last season which should give indications on the level of the Provençals.
Two gala matches for Biarritz, only one meeting scheduled for Mont-de-Marsan
Red lantern of Top 14 last season, the staff of the BO has concocted a copious preparation program for its players. The Basques will face Pau (August 12) then the promoted Premiership, the Earling Trailfinders (August 18 or 19). One of Biarritz’s competitors, Montauban, will test himself against two Top 14 teams: Perpignan (August 12) and Castres (August 19). Before these two gala matches, the last 8th of Pro D2 is expected in Narbonne, for a first friendly meeting against the Blacks of the Mediterranean.
The last team to return to training on July 11, Mont-de-Marsan has so far announced only one preparation match against Aurillac on Friday August 12. The time will certainly be to digest his defeat in the final of Pro D2 against Bayonne and against Perpignan during the barrage of accession to the Top 14.
The complete schedule of friendly matches for Pro D2 teams
Friday July 29
Aurillac-Massy
Thursday August 4
Carcassonne – Provence Rugby
Friday August 5
Beziers-Grenoble
Aurillac-Nevers
Narbonne-Montauban
Soyaux-Angouleme – Colomiers
Saturday August 6
Rouen – Valves
Wednesday August 10
Agen – Béziers
Thursday August 11
Carcassonne – Provence Rugby
Friday August 12
Grenoble–Oyonnax
Bayonne (Top 14) – Colomiers
Aurillac – Mont-de-Marsan
Southend – Pau (Top 14)
Marcq-en-Baroeul (National 2) – Massy
Montauban – Perpignan (Top 14)
Saturday August 13
Vannes-Nevers
Thursday August 18
Agen – Soyaux-Angouleme
Friday August 19
Valence-Romans (National) – Oyonnax
Vannes – National team to be determined
French Stadium – Massy
Montauban – Castres (Top 14)
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