Reichel-Espoirs of the FCG will resume competition next weekend by a trip in the Cantal where they will face Aurillac.
Beaten in the play-off last season, the Grenoble will evolve again this year in Pool Elite 2. However, the formula of this championship was modified following the recommendations of the Technical Unit set up by the FFR after the 2015 World Cup.
The membership (14 teams) and the rules of the Elite 1 competition remain unchanged.
On the opposite, the Elite 2, previously composed of 16 teams, is now divided into two geographical groups of 8 teams. Grenoble will therefore be opposed to Brive and Racing 92, down from Elite 1 but also to Lyon, Aurillac, Vannes, Soyaux-Angoulême and Montauban.
The first 4 of this group will be qualified to compete in the Play-Off and the last 4 of the group will contest the play-down.
The "Rouge & Bleu" will then meet in 2 matches, the top four (or last) in the other group. The teams will retain the points acquired during the first phase.
Following this second phase, the first 4 will play on neutral ground the semi-finals (first against fourth and second against third) and then the final.
The two finalists of the play-off stage advance to Elite 1 for the 2017-2018 season. The winner of the final will be Champion of France Espoirs-Reichel Elite 2.
Auteur : FCG Rugby