Nobody has forgotten the most famous “Uncle” in world Rugby, especially not in Agen. To revive the memory of the man who died on July 28, 2011, at the age of 93, Jacques Laurans is carrying out a project that is close to his heart for more than seven years now: creating an Albert-Ferrasse museum in the former premises of Périgord-Agenais, 2 rue Pierre-de-Coubertin. This “memory space” dedicated to the former president of SU Agen, then of the French (FFR) and world (IRB) federation, should finally see the light of day in 2025.
The file, presented to the municipal council on March 25, has accelerated since June when the Nouvelle-Aquitaine Rugby League agreed at its general meeting to break the long lease to make the building 200 m² in the town of Agen. The latter will launch consultations in the coming days with the aim of starting the renovation and extension work in January, for delivery hoped for at the start of the school year in September. Nine months to deliver a nice project.
60 boxes of objects
The plans are ready. The 65 m “English” lounge² – financed by Albert Ferrasse himself to the tune of 500,000 francs – with a beautiful floor, a trophy cabinet in precious wood, and a bar in the corner, will inevitably occupy a central place in the future museum. A place full of stories where he used to settle down in the evening on a leather sofa to sip his whiskey and smoke a cigar. It is planned to add the 33 m² from a reserve, 14 m² from the former president’s office, 63 m² d’extension et 60 m² terrace with disabled access.
In total, there are 235 m² which will be dedicated to the memory of one of the most illustrious figures of French and world rugby for an investment estimated at 357,000 euros, supported by the City, the Agglomeration, the Albert-Ferrasse Foundation and even the FFR. This was necessary to expose the objects (gifts, works of art or personal effects), which have been “sleeping” for too long in around sixty boxes stored in a garage in Nérac and all listed in a binder by the former treasurer of the Ferrasse Foundation, Patrick Gazères.
The Nouvelle-Aquitaine Rugby League will retain 40 m² for its offices and to store equipment, while the sports department will leave rue de Lille to also set up within easy reach of Armandie.
Morocco
