Eight teams from different French regiments qualified after regional gatherings to participate in the final tournament leading to the title of French champion at the Jean-Dauger stadium in Bayonne. Once again, it was the soldiers of the 17th RGP of Montauban led by Laurent Macagno who managed to lift the shield, after two days of competition where nothing was given to the Tarn-et-Garonnais without a fight. The organization was entrusted to the 1st RPIMA in Bayonne. The eight qualified teams were, in addition to the welcoming formation of the 1st RPIMA of Bayonne and the 17th RGP of Montauban, teams of the UIISCI of Nogent-le-Rotrou, the airborne troops school of Pau, the 8th RPIMA of Castres, the 3rd RPIMA of Carcassonne and the 2nd RPIMA of Le Mans.
Revenge against Carcassonne
Regional vice-champion, the Tarn-et-Garonnais had every intention of showing their best face to Jean-Dauger. They will not miss their entry into the competition, and will come out on top of one of the two groups at the end of the first day to be invited to the semi-final. For the first match of the cleaver phase the players of the “17” will beat ETAP de Pau by 36 to 0. A clear and flawless result which gave good hopes. Except that in the final stood the 3rd RPIMA from Carcassonne. The team that beat the Montalbanais in the regional final, while playing at home. A final that would prove difficult. The Montalbanais will only win in sudden death. The score was 21 to 21, at the end of effective time. In overtime, they will score a try first to win by 28 to 21 and thus retain the title of champion of France. The Montalbanese team was made up of players from the 17th RGP of Montauban, the 5th RPIMA of Caylus and some civilian players from the Castelsarrasin clubs and RC Montauban. The great joy in the ranks of the French champions and the pleasant feeling of the mission accomplished.
