Nine defeats, and Péméja walks out of the press room

Nevers led 12-7 at half-time, then conceded 26 unanswered points in the second half.

Xavier Péméja’s press conference lasted one sentence. “We’ve lost nine, we’re no good,” the Nevers manager said on Friday night before leaving the room, according to Le Journal du Centre and Rugbyrama. President Régis Dumange took the questions instead.

“It’s hollow”

“I understand Xavier’s reaction,” Dumange began, admitting a mistake in building a squad that was too young and short of experience. “There’s nothing there, it’s hollow,” he added. He also noted that opponents leave with the try bonus every time. He ruled out any staff change for now and told Rugbyrama the fight for survival would come down to two clubs, with Béziers.

Four tight defeats, then five heavy ones

The numbers show the turning point. The first four defeats were by 4, 2, 1 and 2 points and earned Nevers all four of their league points. The next five have cost them a combined 113-point margin, never less than 15 in a game.

Nevers are 16th and last on 4 points, six behind Béziers. No club had lost its first nine Pro D2 games since Lannemezan in 2009-10, who lost their first twelve.