Lot amateur Rugby trophies: vote for the best player in the department at

They are back! Amateur rugby trophies organized by La Dépêche du Midiin partnership with the Lot departmental rugby committee, return for their third edition. To celebrate the actors of this 2023/2024 season, marked by great sporting successes in our department, it is through the presentation of numerous prizes that each cog in the discipline will be celebrated.

Today, it's time for the best players in the department at to put four in competition: Léna Lalande, Cleia Bouyssou, Thalia Da Silva, Rachel Convers.

Lena Lalande (Gourdon XV)

Lena has always been involved in rugby, between her brother Valentin and her brother-in-law Jérémy. At the age of 23 she decided to take the plunge and between leisure rugby in Gourdon and competitive rugby in Sarlat, the test was conclusive since she practiced as a 1st or 2nd line position and progress was rapid. There is no doubt that in the family the conversation revolves a lot around the oval ball.

Cleia Bouyssou (GSF)

At 18, Cléia Bouyssou made a late entry into the world of rugby, although the sport had always been in her heart. Coming from a family passionate about ovals, his father Hervé brought joy to Lot rugby for a long time as a scrum half at the GSF before becoming vice-champion of France with Gourdon. However, after a few attempts at the GSF rugby school in his childhood, it was dance – classical and modern – that first captured his attention.

It was at 16, following in the footsteps of her brother Kylian, that she returned to her first love, rugby. Cléia joined the GSF women's team, where she established herself at the center of the attack thanks to her vision of the game and her tenacious character, undoubtedly inherited from her father. She excels in duels and never hesitates to commit to crossing the advantage line and serving her teammates. Now a commercial BTS student in Rodez, Cléia looks forward to every weekend to meet up with her friends and share her passion during training at the Pannafé stadium and on the pitch during championship matches.

Thalia Da Silva (RQF)

Thalia Da Silva is 17 years old and lives in Pradines. She only discovered rugby a little over two years ago. Coming from a diverse athletic background, she started with gymnastics and handball. It was her twin sister, Cally, who introduced Thalia to rugby, thus paving the way for a new family passion, their brother, Mathis Da Silva, plays as a 3/4 center in Fédérale 2 in Cahors. Currently a student at Clément Marot, Thalia juggles between her studies and her sporting career, with a goal of passing her baccalaureate while continuing to progress in rugby. Very quickly, this young player of Portuguese origin showed her speed qualities which allowed her to evolve within the 3/4 line of RQF cadets.

She is very diligent, passionate, has an ultra-competitive temperament and a desire to surpass herself. And Yann Baral adds “always the banana”. It didn't take long for his progress to be noticed. Last year, the Portuguese Rugby Sevens Federation offered Thalia the opportunity to participate in the European Under-18 Championship, a huge honor for this young athlete and a source of immense pride for her club. His ambitions and energy are promising for his future, both on and off the field. And his charm will do the rest.

Rachel Convers (Puy-l’Evêque)

“Age 32, I started rugby in high school at the UNSS and at university in Tours at 7. Arriving in the south in 2016, I did a season at XV at the USL then 7 seasons at Puy l'Evêque at XV and the last at X. I play in the third line position (wing or center) or second line I was also an educator for 6 seasons. , both on the meadow and outside, surrounded by a great group of friends and volunteers who make the small clubs work. I really like the values ​​of this sport but also its “accessible” side. development of women's rugby I am currently on a rugby break due to a lack of staff for our team and personal projects that do not allow me to fully practice this magnificent sport. But why not return to the field next season. as a player, coach, trainer or manager…”