Top 14 preview - Pau

Welcome to Stade du Hameau

We take an in-depth look at the runners and the riders of the 2005/06 Top 14 ahead of the new season. Today we tackle Pau.

Last time around:

A disappointing domestic campaign saw Pau maintain their top division status only by dint of a play-off win over promotion aspirants Aurillac. Their poor form at home was brightened by the European campaign though, with Pau making it through to the final of the Challenge Cup but losing to Sale in a very one-sided affair.

This time?

This time, Pau may struggle. There are some quality additions to their squad - especially Gonzalo Quesada - but there has been little added depth, only adequate replacement of what has departed. In a league that is not going to have the gimme matches that last year's did, Pau may not find that to be enough. Their European draw pits them against Parma, Agen, and London Irish in what looks to be a tight group, and they would probably do well to eschew dreams of Euro glory for domestic stability this season.

Captain: Christophe Laussucq marshalls his team and back-line with considerable skill and calmness fully befitting a 32-year-old former internationl. Laussucq's experience will be of considerable value to Beauxis as well.

One to watch: With Monsieur Points Ludovic Mercier gone back to Gloucester, France's U21 jewel Lionel Beauxis should step up to take the first-choice spot for les Palois this season, but as well as his handling abilities, he is no slouch with the boot either, and Mercier may not be so sorely missed on the scoreboard.

In: Daniel and Ramiro Pez (Argentinian) (Bath), Stéphane Delpuech and Thierry Mentières (coach) (Bayonne), Karl Rudzki and Ace Tiatia (Harlequins, New Zealander), Gonzalo Quesada and Rudy Charton-Collier (Stade Français, Argentinian), Abdel Boutati (Toulouse, Moroccan).

Out: Marius Tincu (Perpignan, Romanian), Lionel Faure (Sale Sharks), Jean-Baptiste Peyras-Loustalet (Castres), Ludovic Mercier (Gloucester), Peter Giroud and Philippe Carbonneau (Dax), Stuart (Mendoza), Rida Jahouer (Montauban), Laurent Rodriguez (coach) (Brive)

Colours: Green and white

Club info:

Stade du Hameau (13800 seats)
Boulevard de l'aviation
64000 Pau

Tickets: ¬8-30

Travel connections: there is an airport in Pau, served by some cheap flights from London. Toulouse is the nearest international airport, and a main road runs directly from Toulouse to Pau, as does a well-served train line.