Week 27 of the Pro D2 is upon us. The long French professional season continues with a full round of the second division over the coming days. Clubs are fighting both to win promotion to the Top 14 and to avoid relegation to the Fédérale 1. Involved are to be a range of Americas players. The following is a preview detailing those involved from the Western Hemisphere.
The opening fixture of Week 27 is that of Charante vs Bayonne. It is the one-and-only Thursday fixture. Players from both sides os the Andes mountains are to start for the Basque club. Ramón Ayarza will play Loose Head with fellow Cóndor, Pablo Huete playing second-row. Meanwhile Córdoba fullback Martín Bustos Moyano starts from the deep.
On Friday Americas involvement continues. Starting for Narbonne will be David Tameilau. The USA Eagles powerhouse is on his way back State side shortly. His current club is facing relegation to the Fédérale 1. They need a strong performance against fellow strugglers Carcassonne in Friday’s away match. Juan Cappiello debuts for Carcassonne.
Looking to bounce back from a horrible performance last round is Biarritz. The Gonzalo Quesada coached side has home advantage against Aurillac in Week 27.
Up in Vannes a big performance is required against heavyweights Colomiers. Earning another start for Vannes is Javier Lagioiosa. He continues in the second-row. USA prop Eric Fry will feature from the bench. Starting for the visitors will be Agustín Costa Repetto. The former Puma starts at hooker.
Week 27 closes on Sunday. The final fixture sees Mont de Marsan hosting Grenoble. Line-ups for the match are to be named on Saturday afternoon local time.