Wales fly-half Sam Davies says he has received reassurance his new club Grenoble will not start next season in France's third division.
Grenoble had missed out on promotion to the Top 14 earlier this week, before being hit with the blow of being relegated from the Pro D2 to Federale 1 - France's third tier of professional rugby - due to the financial management of the club.
That decision - along with a six-point deduction to start next season - was announced on Tuesday evening after a Ligue Nationale de Rugby investigation, with the French club immediately signalling their intent to appeal the verdict.
Former Ospreys and Dragons playmaker Davies had already agreed a deal with Grenoble prior to their relegation, leading to some worrying moments when the story broke.
However, he says he has been told by people at the club that they expect to be playing second-tier rugby next season.
"It's a little bit worrying seeing that stuff coming out on social media," Davies told WalesOnline. "But I've had some reassurances (from the club).
Davies, who got the move to France across the line roughly two months ago, added: "There was a bit of a heart in mouth moment yesterday seeing all those articles, but I've had some reassurance that it won't be the case.
"Hopefully this appeal will overturn that decision."
After the decision was published on Tuesday evening, Grenoble quickly published a statement, insisting they can provide all the necessary paperwork to enable them to play in Pro D2 next season.
It read: “Grenoble Rugby takes note of the decision of the French Rugby disciplinary council condemning it to an administrative demotion in Nationale 1 and a withdrawal of 4+2 points in the classification of the championship in which the club will play in during the 2023/2024 season.
“As you know, our club is experiencing financial difficulties. For a year, the FCG has been working to meet all the requirements of our professional club control bodies. New shareholders recently entered the capital of the SPP holding company, which holds the majority of the club with the desire to give it a new economic dynamic.
“Club leaders wish to reassure all partners, subscribers and supporters about the investment of its shareholders who will provide all the guarantees allowing our club to continue next season in ProD2.
“This is why we are appealing this decision, to prove our good faith and our desire to fulfill all the guarantees requested in order to ensure the FCG the future it deserves within French rugby.”
However, were the appeal not to be successful, it does beg the question over whether Davies would play for Grenoble in the third tier. Granted, it's not a scenario the fly-half has given much thought to.
"I'd assume so," he said. "I've signed a contract. I presume they'd be in a position to bounce straight back up from that league.
"They were pushing for promotion to the Top 14 this season. I don't really know the ins and outs of everything at the moment. It's just a case of hoping they get this appeal overturned and they can play in Pro D2."
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