There were undoubtedly more than 2000 of them, on this autumn afternoon, to have converged on the Paul-Fines stadium in Saverdun. To applaud the Stade Toulouse players who have come to train remotely, as one of the “best rugby clubs in the world” has become accustomed to. And with in its ranks a face well known to Ariège: Nelson Epée.
In the Saverdun clubhouse, seated around a large U-shaped table, nearly 40 players from Stade Toulouse are signing autographs on the photos presented by the hundreds of kids from Ariège rugby schools, who have come to admire them. Just behind, Nicolas Charrié greets the guests of the day: “We are very honored to welcome you, we are your first supporters,” assures the co-president of the UA Saverdun, to his Toulouse counterpart Didier Lacroix. There is emotion for the children, but for us too! “.
Between the two “red and black” houses, the links are close: the Ariège club was created barely a year after the birth of Stade Toulouse, and several players were able to move from one to the other. Among the Saverdunois who have “climbed” to the highest level, we will cite Christian Breseghello, Loïc Mazières, the emblematic Fabien Pelous of course… and the latest, Nelson Epée. For his return to his homeland, the very recent Olympic rugby sevens champion concentrated a good number of requests for autographs and selfies, to which he willingly lent himself: “It's a pride to be there, to be from of this club – I think of all these educators who made me love this sport. When we are back in Saverdun, we want to make all the children in rugby schools dream of it,” explains Nelson Epée, who will try to play a series of matches with the Stade this season – “and it’s a lot of work every day, to try to be the best possible.”
Like the young winger, Toulouse president Didier Lacroix and coach Ugo Mola were made honorary citizens of Saverdun by mayor Philippe Calléja: “rugby is a great tradition here, explains the Ariège elected official. We have trophies, we are proud of them. How proud we are of the values of this sport, and of our children who progress, like Nelson. And thank you to Stade Toulouse for the way it makes our region shine.” A compliment that goes straight to the heart of Mr. Lacroix: “it’s a pleasure to come, to see the smiles, the enthusiasm… We are here in our role”.
Outside, the Stadium players are awaited by a totally enthusiastic audience. For a full hour, the “pros” perform a series of exercises for a training session that will undoubtedly inspire many young local rugby players. Ovalion, the Toulouse mascot, provides the atmosphere, while Nicolas Charrié savors this communion in red and black – a sign of the dynamics at work within the Saverdun club, crowned French federal 3 champion a few months ago , did not escape the big neighbor, nor the Occitanie Regionpartner of these delocalized training sessions.
A. C.
