Rugby Stars Skip Training, Threaten Strike Ahead of Upcoming Match

• Rugby players boycotted training and threatened to strike ahead of their upcoming Pro D2 match against Provence
• The club is facing internal disciplinary issues following controversial comments made by coach Nicolas Nadau
• Grenoble’s management has maintained a firm stance, warning players that industrial action will not change the club’s position

Rugby players boycotted training on Tuesday, 30 September 2025, and threatened to strike, refusing to play their upcoming game.

Grenoble, currently sixth in the French Pro D2 league standings, has been dealing with internal disciplinary issues that led to the suspension of coach Nicolas Nadau.

The situation stems from last weekend’s defeat at Brive. Video evidence reported by French media shows Nadau expressing frustration after prop Johannes Jonker did not return to the field following a blood injury.

Jonker’s eyebrow was treated, and he was reportedly fit to continue playing. However, the medical stoppage exceeded the permitted 15 minutes, resulting in his permanent substitution.

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Nadau allegedly made disparaging remarks about the medical staff and members of the club’s management, prompting Grenoble to suspend him pending a disciplinary hearing. This decision angered the players, who protested and threatened not to fulfil Friday’s fixture.

Club stands firm on coach suspension

Grenoble president Patrick Goffi told Rugbyrama.fr that whether the players went on strike or not would not alter the club’s position. Nadau’s comments during the Brive match were deemed unacceptable by the club.

Goffi said he had reviewed the LNR doctor’s report, which clearly outlined the coach’s misconduct, including inappropriate remarks towards the club doctor.

“This constitutes misconduct, and the club has decided to suspend him as a precautionary measure. Mr Nadau has been summoned and will be interviewed on Friday, after which he will have the opportunity to explain himself,” Goffi added.

Players warned against industrial action

Goffi explained that he had addressed the players on Tuesday to clarify the disciplinary action and emphasised that striking would not resolve the situation.

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He said it was counterproductive and went against the interests the players aimed to defend, adding that everyone must assume their responsibilities and that it was not the players who decided on such matters. He insisted that the club’s position was very clear.

He added that the players were responsible adults and professionals whose duty was to play, and that the club’s role was to provide an alternative solution. He stressed that threatening management with a strike was not the right way to resolve the situation, especially given that it concerned Nicolas Nadau.

A former full-back, Nadau has helped Grenoble reach the last three Pro D2 finals, making him a respected figure at the club despite the ongoing controversy.

In local rugby news, Springboks captain Siya Kolisi has been named in the squad to play against the Los Pumas on Saturday, 4 October 2025. He will earn his 98th Test cap for South Africa.

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Last weekend, South Africa played their final home game of the year in Durban, defeating Argentina 67-30.

With only two caps remaining to reach 100, it seems unlikely that Kolisi will celebrate his centurion match on home soil.

Rassie on why Handre keeps getting overlooked

Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus named the squad to play against the Los Pumas in the decisive Rugby Championship match.

Veteran Handre Pollard was excluded from the squad and Erasmus has addressed why he has been overlooked once again.

Source: Briefly News