In deep disagreement with the club’s leadership, the chairman of the supervisory board and its four members have announced their collective resignation, plunging Biarritz Olympique into a fresh internal crisis.

One more to add to the list. Another shockwave on the Basque coast: Shaun Hegarty, chairman of the supervisory board, announced his resignation on Thursday 16 October, citing irreconcilable differences with the current governance of Biarritz Olympique. Four other members immediately followed, stating their support for his decision and cutting ties with the project in place.

In a statement addressed to shareholders and supporters, relayed by Rugbyrama, Hegarty refers to “choices that are no longer mine” and “fundamental differences” making it impossible for him to continue in his role. He points to a “lack of trust” and a drift away from the values that drove him in his commitments within the club.

The resigning members – Marc Baget, Pierre Fraidenraich, Marie-Baptiste Duhart and Arnaud Labedan – explain that they can no longer endorse the direction taken. They insist nevertheless that they will remain “in support of the BO… in defence of its colours, its soul, its identity“.

The collective departure comes in an already tense context for the Basque club, which has been grappling with sporting and financial challenges for many months. A departure that opens up yet another period of uncertainty.