The end of the story was inevitable. It is now well and truly over. In a statement published on social media on Friday, Tarbes confirmed the insolvency filing of the club’s professional arm. “It is with gravity and a sense of responsibility that we announce today the insolvency filing of LT65 SASP, the legal entity that runs the club’s professional structure”.

Stado TPR point to “a structural shortfall in own resources“, “an erosion of private backing“, “fixed costs that had become disproportionate to the level of activity” as well as “recurrent cash-flow pressures“.

The statement, published by the board members and business owners committed alongside the club, says they “fully appreciate the impact” of the decision for registered members, volunteers, players, coaches, supporters, partners and supporters alike.

Unforgettable players

The club is hoping for a “restructuring or takeover solution within a secure framework”. Rugbyrama reports that a 640,000-euro hole has been uncovered. Far too much to hold out any hope.

With this insolvency filing, how can you not feel nostalgic about this bastion of French rugby, a two-time first-division champion in 1920 and 1973? How can you not remember the players who came through or passed by Tarbes? Philippe Dintrans, front and centre. Not to mention Jean Dupuy, Christian Carrère, Adolphe Jauréguy, René Crabos, Robert Soro, Philippe Carbonneau, Aubin Hueber and Julien Laharrague. To name but a few.

Stado add that “a further update will be provided once the first stages of the procedure have been completed“. A sad end for the red and white club. And it may not be the only one to shut up shop…