The rumour of a Baptiste Serin return to Bordeaux-Bègles has resurfaced in recent days. Developed at UBB, the RCT scrum-half is out of contract in 2026 and remains close to the hearts of the Gironde supporters. His experienced profile still appeals, and Bordeaux are actively preparing for life after Lucu.

But Laurent Marti, the UBB president, quickly poured cold water on the idea. “You can’t have both Maxime Lucu and Baptiste Serin,” he said flatly on Sud Radio, pointing to budget and salary cap constraints. Two top-level number 9s sharing the same dressing room does not look feasible.

At Toulon, there is no desire to let him go. The Var club fully intend to extend their playmaker, a senior figure in the dressing room and a cornerstone of Mignoni’s game plan. In short: Serin remains a fine story in Bordeaux, but not a concrete option.