Angoulême – A week after a bruising defeat at Agen, Valence-Romans Rugby Club suffered another setback, falling 17-13 to Soyaux-Angoulême on Thursday evening. The Pro D2 match, played at the Stade de Beaublanc, saw the visitors struggle to capitalize despite a promising start, ultimately succumbing to the pressure from a determined Angoulême side.
The loss is particularly stinging for Valence-Romans, currently fourth in the Pro D2 standings, as they prepare to host league leaders Vannes next Friday at 9 PM CET. The team, featuring several young players in their starting lineup, had briefly taken the lead in the match, but ultimately couldn’t hold on against a resilient opponent. This recent dip in form raises questions about their consistency as they navigate a challenging stretch of the season.
Valence-Romans began strongly, scoring an early try through a powerful forward drive. Two subsequent penalties extended their lead to 13-6 at halftime, according to reporting from L’Équipe. However, Soyaux-Angoulême mounted a comeback in the second half, capitalizing on indiscipline from the visitors.
Second-Half Surge Seals Victory for SAXV
The turning point came shortly after the restart, with Maxence Lemardelet scoring for Soyaux-Angoulême just minutes after entering the game. This ignited a renewed push from the home side, and fly-half Benjamin Botica proved crucial in securing the win. Botica successfully converted two penalties, first to narrow the gap to 14-13 in the 66th minute, and then with a final penalty kick as the clock expired, sealing the victory at 17-13.
The match was described as a closely contested affair, with both teams experiencing periods of dominance. Soyaux-Angoulême’s ability to exploit Valence-Romans’ errors proved decisive. The win provides a much-needed boost for Soyaux-Angoulême, who were looking to distance themselves from the lower end of the Pro D2 table.
Youthful Lineup for Valence-Romans
Fabien Fortassin, the head coach of Valence-Romans, opted for a lineup that included several younger players, a strategic decision that, while showing promise in the first half, ultimately couldn’t withstand the pressure from Soyaux-Angoulême. The team secured a bonus point for their performance, but the defeat leaves a sour taste as they prepare for a difficult match against the league-leading Vannes.
Despite the loss, Fortassin emphasized the positive aspects of his team’s performance, highlighting their character and spirit. “It’s a shame, because today we showed that we have character, with a excellent state of mind,” he said, as reported by L’Équipe. “But it’s this heart that we set in that we necessitate to retain for the future.”
Looking Ahead: A Tough Test Against Vannes
The upcoming match against Vannes represents a significant challenge for Valence-Romans. Vannes currently sits atop the Pro D2 standings, and a win against them would be a major statement for Fortassin’s side. The team will need to address the disciplinary issues that plagued them against Soyaux-Angoulême and find a way to maintain their intensity throughout the entire match.
The Pro D2 season continues to be fiercely competitive, with teams battling for playoff positions. Valence-Romans’ recent struggles highlight the importance of consistency and discipline in this demanding league. The team’s ability to bounce back from this defeat will be a key indicator of their potential for success this season.
Soyaux-Angoulême, meanwhile, will be buoyed by their victory and will look to build on this momentum in their upcoming fixtures. The win provides a valuable boost to their confidence and strengthens their position in the league table. The team’s performance demonstrates their resilience and determination to compete at the highest level.
The next confirmed action for Valence-Romans is their home match against Vannes on Friday, March 6, 2026, at 9 PM CET. Fans can find further updates and information on the official Pro D2 website.
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