JAMES HARRINGTON
FRENCH COLUMN

Biarritz’s long-inevitable relegation from the Top 14 was finally confirmed last weekend when they lost 48-13 at home to Castres, 24 matches after their seven-year wait for top-flight rugby had ended after penalties in an emotionally charged play-off against near-neighbours Bayonne.
With two matches remaining, it seems this season’s other promoted side, 2021 ProD2 champions Perpignan, will face the relegation play-off challenge, and could join the Basque club in heading straight back down a division.
The Catalans, who spent a solitary seaso...