this group of friends from clubs in Lauragais shone in several tournaments in 2024

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For almost six years, 17 Rugby players – and above all childhood friends – from the clubs of Villefranche-de-Lauragais, Villenouvelle and Fleurance, have participated together in tournaments rugby « Touch ». A discipline only by touch, and therefore without tackle. The team of String Box – that’s his name – is made up of Louis Vialan, Thomas Carrière, Yohan Reuille, Baptiste Grosbois, Maxime Calmettes, Benjamin and Florian Pinaud, Théo Rodriguez, Hugo Dufour, Julien Mousnier, Max Champagnat, Théo and Benoît Jouary, Éliot Chalies, Lucas Oudard, Quentin Méric and Corentin Faure. All have between 21 and 25 years old.

An adventure launched in 2019 in Gruissan

It all started stupidly in 2019, with their first participation in the Gruissan Beach Rugbythe most important “Touch” tournament in France. “We have known each other since we were little, we grew up together and everyone often went on vacation to Gruissan. So one day we said to ourselves: “why not do the Beach?” ” “, tell Louis Vialan.

This competition was the first of a long series. Since then, the String-Boks have participated every year in five tournaments minimum. Note that some of these competitions bring together up to 80 teamssometimes coming from all over France.

Four tournaments won

To obtain good results, the group trains once a week at the end of their respective teams' XV season, between the months of May and July. And it pays off! In total, the String-Bocks have accumulated 95 victories, three draws et 12 defeats.

They won four tournaments: Water Rugby 2024 in Toulousethe Warm up 2023 in Toulouse also, the Rugby Five Tonight Toulon 2023and the Spring Sevens Festival 2024 in Balma. These rugby players also won silver and bronze medals in other tournaments in the region.

For each competition, and especially in Gruissan, many residents of Lauragais travel to support them. “We have our families, friends, but also simple acquaintances who come,” rejoice Louis, Thomas and Yohan.

A growing reputation on social networks

In view of this enthusiasm, the String-Boks created an Instagram page, as well as a TikTok account. Information on the competition calendar, team compositions and the progress of the days is posted there.

Soon, they will even publish a short film revealing the season's victories, celebrations, trials… Social networks also help them to make themselves known. Louis says: “Sometimes we pass by people and hear them say, “It’s the String-Boks!” ”, it’s nice! »

Objective: participate in a tournament abroad

These numerous tournaments have a cost: around €5,000 per year. To legally raise funds, the team became an association in 2022chaired by Louis. A majority of the trips and participations are financed by their sponsors, whom they would like to “thank”.

The players also organize events like this meal with dancing party which brought together more than 100 people. Currently, the team is already preparing for the next season, with a new objective: do a Touch rugby tournament abroad.

Valentine Gaxieu

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