7 kilometers apart, the last two Commingeois clubs, Saint-Gaudens and Villeneuve-de-Rivière, have decided to create a partnership, allowing players to have playing time, others to test themselves at the highest level. In any case, the two clubs manage to make the most of their differences to put them to the benefit of “XIII en Comminges”. At mid-season, a word from the two presidents with very distinct personalities, but lovers of the same sport: Jean-Claude Estrampes and Alain Trescasa.
Can you introduce yourself and your respective club?
J-C. E. : Created in the 1950s, the Racing Club Saint-Gaudinois Comminges XIII plays in the French Super XIII Championship and now has all the categories from Rugby school to elite juniors (i.e. around sixty licensees), bringing their total number to around 150 licensees this season. The club consists of an office, various commissions, a group of Volunteers and Educators divided by category.
A. T. : I started the XIII at the age of 20 in Nationale 2 Olympique Montrejeau XIII for 4 seasons (winger or fullback) then until the age of 42 in Villeneuve (all scrum positions especially 3rd row) and now president since the 2020/2021 season, to wake up the club from sleep for several seasons. I agreed to take up this torch following the death of the emblematic Gilbert Martin who left a few months earlier, well supported by former teammates DAFFOS, SKANDINE, the ARCE brothers…
The USV was created in 1965, and a number of players also played with the Racing Club Saint-Gaudens (DELARUE Henri, BOJARCZUCK Patrick, GARCIN Serge, COQ Fabrice et Xavier, SOREL J.Noel, ESTAQUE Gérard…) as well as numerous coaches, accompanied them (FOURCADET Marcel, ZACCARIOTTO René, DELARUE Henri, LAVIGNE Guy, MORENO Jacky, ARCE Segundo…)
What is your vision for Comminge rugby?
J-C. E. : Comminges is a land of rugby league which has had many clubs and training is essential in the region. This allows young people from Comminges to integrate values such as respect, tolerance, mutual aid and team spirit. In addition to the sport and relaxation aspect, rugby league can offer young people the opportunity to play at the highest level and join the ranks of the French team. Comminges has always been represented nationally with numerous internationals. The training policy implemented in recent years should contribute, in the medium term, to the development of this sporting practice in the region through several clubs and teams playing at various levels.
A. T. : Our sport has its place in our territory, but for the XIII to live properly in Comminges, it would be necessary for example:
- better media coverage (e.g. one page per week Dispatch dedicated to the 13th century)
- systematic access in primary schools (and other levels), in leisure centers, etc.
This Comminges project can allow Racing players to come and end their career by helping the USV like those who have already done so: PARRA Emmanuel, QUEMENER Christophe, BORLIN Christophe, BEL Richard, VINCENT Jean-Marc, KEBDANI Nassim and Gaudens.
In place since this year, is this agreement going well?
J-C. E. : This agreement was renewed this season and I consider it an excellent initiative for Comminge rugby league. The sharing of good practices between the two clubs, oppositions can be set up, players from Villeneuve de Rivière can be brought to join the Saint-Gaudens group and players from Saint-Gaudens can strengthen the Villeneuve/ team. Rivière, when they are not selected in Super XIII.
A. T. : Yes, the understanding is going very well with this season: “A real understanding! » Indeed, we are playing in the mixed pool, DN2/DN3 (DN2 access following mixing) and had agreed to move up based on our results last season. Since the start of the season, we have benefited from the help of several elements of the Saint-Gaudinois group (thanks to the players who came for their remarkable state of mind). For our part, our players have not yet had the opportunity to play at the next level. It's up to them to give themselves the means and acquire this potential: there is a very significant difference in intensity of play.
What are the feedback/impressions on this first part of the season?
J-C. E. : The Racing Club Saint-Gaudinois Comminges XIII has consolidated its staff and its group of players, in order to achieve a better sporting performance than the previous season. The club achieved a first part of the season close to its initial objectives, but the return phase promises to be particularly competitive with around ten clubs which can aim for the top 6, even if the calendar appears favorable to the Ours du Comminges. As for the partnership between Saint-Gaudens and Villeneuve-de-Rivière, the feedback is positive, both on the players and coaches side. I am not surprised and we can only welcome it; the two clubs are complementary and there is a desire to succeed.
A. T. : We finished first in the brewing group and therefore qualified for the French DN2 championship. This is the result of the cohesion and solidarity of the players on the field, “the mayonnaise took off” with the Saint-Gaudens players during their visits.
Thank you gentlemen for this exchange. Happy end of the season to both clubs.
