Orthez: five-a-side Rugby to bring generations together around a passion

A first tournament

“It’s friendly, it brings together people from all walks of life. We have former players who had stopped for fear of injuries, people who are discovering this sport, young people who are returning to practice, and also girls because we only have a cadet section at the moment in Orthez,” explains Olwen Favereaux. It was with the club's secretary, Catherine Magne-Prax, that they had the idea of ​​setting up this team: “We had people who were in the club's ecosystem but who did not necessarily dare to launch into a team with competition. There we have the friendly side, there are between 15 and 20 of us at training on Mondays and Thursdays at 7 p.m. People get to know each other, it's nice. »

The Orthézienne team participated in a first tournament, in Saint-Palais, at the beginning of December. “There was a real mix since we were playing with Anglet who has had a team for 10 years and Mauléon who has been playing for around a year. The departmental Rugby committee wants to develop the practice which has taken off well in regions less rugby-oriented than ours. The objective is to create a championship in the Department to then be able to access the French championships,” smiles Olwen Favereaux, who also hopes to host a tournament in Orthez in March.

Intergenerational

Among the fans, Cédric, 46, comes with his two 16-year-old sons: “At my age, we ask ourselves questions about physique. I have already practiced in the Paris region, and I was often injured so I was looking for something more focused on leisure. My sons followed and their friends are starting to join us so it’s really nice! »

At 17, Maïtena is one of the youngest on the team: “I play 10-a-side rugby with the cadets but this allows me to play with my father. It is a complement to 10-a-side rugby because we are on avoidance, we do not need to go for the tackle. It's more relaxing, more fun, more cardio too. » Eric, her 52-year-old father, also enjoys the moments spent with his daughter: “When she started rugby 5 years ago, I said to myself that it was a shame that there was no section at 5 so that I too can pick up and play with her. Obviously, when the section started we went for it! It allows you to get back into it, which is good. »

Others also play rugby union. This is the case of Olwen Favereaux, who plays at Hagetmau. But also from Julie, in the same team: “Before I played at 7 and I was hesitant to start again. The 5-person section allows you to do cardio, without tackling, so it's perfect! So, I followed Olwen to Hagetmau too so I have both now,” she smiles. Because ultimately, rugby is shared.