Everyone knows his history with SU Agen, of which he was an emblematic figure between 1989 and 2001. But few people know the links of Abdelatif Benazzi, candidate for the presidency of World Rugby – whose election is scheduled for Thursday November 14 –, with the Landes.
The former captain of the XV of France (78 caps) has in fact been dismissed as manager of the Ychoux club, located in the north of the department and resident of Régionale 2, “for four or five years”. The first contacts were made during Florian Grill's first campaign for president of the French Rugby Federation in 2019. Abdelatif Benazzi was part of his list, as during his re-election in October.
“One of our vice-presidents supported Florian Grill and that’s how the rapprochement happened,” says club president Pierre Echaniz. “There is human proximity, but this is also done in relation to sponsorships,” continues Abdelatif Benazzi. It's a club where I loved the state of mind, it's a family club with great values. » With the latter, he participated in the France 3 reporting series “From the beginning”, which highlights the daily life of small rugby clubs.
Support from former internationals
“He comes to see us occasionally to help us and gives some advice to the players. For us, it’s very good,” explains Pierre Echaniz. “Before going on vacation to the Landes, I come to say hello to them. And every time there is an event, I am invited, continues the former international. I went to the centenary last year, it was magnificent. »
The latter attaches particular importance to these links with “rural rugby which is suffering more and more”: “It is a policy that I would like to put in place with former internationals who want to get involved in rugby. It is not formalized, but all professional players have a link with their original club. It could be done this way. »
Concerning the upcoming election, Abdelatif Benazzi is competing with the Italian Andrea Rinaldo and the Australian Brett Robinson. If he were to be elected, “it wouldn’t change much for us,” says Pierre Echaniz. But having the president of World Rugby fired at Ychoux would still be huge! »
