Joël Castany is now the second president of the Occitanie League. Leucatois having succeeded Alain Doucet. Refereeing, competitions, federal representatives… Files to be handled by the new steering committee.
What was your feeling on November 2 when your “Oval Together” list won the League elections?
First of all, it is a great honor to be at the head of a Major League on a national level. For this, I think of my family. I am the heir of a family which has worked throughout its existence for rugby. My two grandfathers created the Roquefort club, my father was a player. For my part, I was a coach, player, president at Leucate. My wife was a secretary for a long time, my son was a coach and a player. My daughter had the privilege of being French champion with Leucate in 2004. I am also aware of the responsibility that is mine as well as that of my running mates. Occitanie is a vast territory with 400 clubs and 80,000 licensees. It is, so to speak, a federation. I’m 68 years old, this may be my last responsibility in rugby. In four years of mandate, I intend to carry it out by being at the service of the clubs.
To date, what are the priority files?
First of all, we want to find proximity again, to be in contact with clubs to debate, to put ethics at the center of projects. Among the priority files, there is the reorganization of federal representatives, the competition system and that of arbitration. These are the first elements that we will address in December.
It is said that there is a project for Regional 4. Do you confirm this?
In this area, it is the Federation which will set the tone. Note that this year, we are going from three French senior regional championship titles to six. We thus return to the old formula. It is true that in the Occitanie League, there is a high density of clubs and if it is necessary to highlight this notion of Regional 4, the floor will first be given to the club presidents.
In Occitania, regional junior teams cannot field more than eight third-year players on the match sheet. A rule criticized by the clubs. Are you going to delete it?
Many clubs have approached us about this. Many find it very harsh. I know that clubs have found it difficult to compose match sheets. We agree to delete it. In addition, this year there is a national competition for Regional juniors. By force of circumstances, the Occitan clubs will be harmed. If the lawyers give us approval, this rule will be abolished.
Joël Castany is identified with Leucate. What are your current relationships with this club that you led from the Fourth Series to the highest federal level?
I have my license in Leucate, because every elected official must be licensed in a club. Sunday, I was at Vendres-Lespignan – Corbières XV. At the end of the match, I learned the result of the Leucatois who were traveling to Saint-Girons. Leucate is a club that I particularly like. It is in the hands of a very good president, Stéphane Pujol. I now live in Ouveillan, located 60 kilometers from Leucate. I remain attached while being detached.
