It is the story of a special day, that of the final experienced by a club president who was a Brennus candidate. Didier Lacroix agreed to take Midi Olympique in his footsteps and share these very special moments. From the stress of preparation to the climax of the match, immersed in the heart of a unique day.
Suddenly, there were these tears, sudden and rare. Captured from the sidelines at the moment of delivery, when Ange Capuozzo scored the final try of a final that became a recital. There had been no more suspense for almost an hour but this dive by the Italian meant deliverance for Didier Lacroix, who confided to us as follows: “When the most beautiful page of history that you dreamed of becomes reality, there is inevitably a strong emotion. At the time, I have trouble realizing it but the pleasure is extraordinary and on a par with our expectations after this damn trying season. I am very proud of what all the players have done, those who were on the match sheet as well as those who won against Clermont, Montpellier, Lyon or who more recently faced La Rochelle…”
A ninth try to embody everything about the Toulouse that the president had imagined when he took over the institution in July 2017: eighty meters of a mix of audacity, talent, convictions, madness and above all speed, as if time should never be wasted. A try like the counterpart of the masterpiece – a bit more wild – scored by Romain Ntamack a year earlier to overthrow La Rochelle. This time, Bordeaux was put to the test and Lacroix, despite the tears of the one who lets go, kept a form of modesty in the face of this XXL success by making the rounds of the players and staff, scattered on the pitch. “Thank you.” “Well done, guys.” With hugs to better replace the long speeches and eyes that shine to show admiration. “The emotion is not stronger than in previous years, even if it is impossible to compare. Just the pressure was different…”
Marti, a source of inspiration
Feelings confirmed a few moments later, when we found Laurent Marti in the corridors of the Vélodrome. For simple words between two men who respect each other, as already demonstrated by their exchanges at the time of the draw for the locker rooms, magnificently staged on Friday lunchtime in the sumptuous setting of the Cercle des Nageurs de Marseille. “I thought a lot this week about what I was going to say when I found myself in front of Laurent who played, as you know, in the juniors at Stade Toulousain. It was with my big brother, Michel. I followed them.”
And to add: “Later, Laurent is the one who gave meaning and who was a source of inspiration for me. He is one of those people who were marked by the institution (Stade Toulousain). But if he can wait a little before winning his first title with UBB, I’m interested.” His wish was granted and Lacroix won his sixth trophy as president for as many finals (4 Shields, 2 European Cups/Champions Cups); he is getting a little closer to his record as a player (6 Shields and 1 European Cup, between 1994 and 2001).
The Toulouse president’s strange day had thus officially begun on the banks of the swimming pools where Florent Manaudou and Frédéric Bousquet train. The previous night had been short and the morning quiet. A bit of music, a few phone calls, emails and text messages to answer. Everything accelerated as the afternoon went on, between brief exchanges with the players in the lobby of the NH Prado hotel overlooking the Mediterranean, protocol obligations and professional meetings. Including a working meeting with partners, in the company of Philippe Jougla and Philippe Chausson, both members of the Board of Directors. They form the close guard of the directors with Ugo Mola and Marc Doncieux. Not forgetting Franck Bélot and Pascal Médina, never far away. Like Bruno Gravelet and Jean-Luc Brumont. At the edge of the swimming pool, Lacroix hands out to everyone the polo shirts embroidered for the final, in silver and gold letters.
Olympic Midday
Presence, few words
Everything changed around 7pm, as the Toulousains gradually gathered in the living room for the coach’s final briefing before the match. Ugo Mola spoke alone, surrounded by the players and his staff. Lacroix was one of the few outsiders in the group. “I need to be with them and share these very special moments… I’m there, but I don’t speak. This day belongs to them. It’s just a moment that I share with them. Throughout the day, I’m simply listening, especially with Ugo. We talk from time to time, especially about language elements. I intervene very little during the day…”
And to add: “I made my pre-final speech the previous Wednesday at the time of the “president’s beer”, it’s one of our traditions. I told them how lucky I was to have to play this second final and to be able to write history.” 7:30 p.m., end of the talk and departure towards the Vélodrome with the bikers’ escort to avoid traffic jams. Diving into the bowels of the stadium, going to the locker rooms, going out onto the pitch around 8 p.m. Lacroix found his friends, Lucien Simon and Frédéric Calamel, carrying grigris with his pockets full. Then he escaped for a few moments to kiss his son Matéo, installed behind the posts with the supporters and the Stade hopefuls crowned champions of France at the beginning of June. He then headed towards the presidential basket, where he found Alexandra his partner and future wife, and the troupe of leaders of the League or the Federation before coming back down shortly before 9 p.m. for the pre-match protocol, the anthems and the presentation of the players.
“It’s easy to be the president of this club”
The rest, you know it. Didier Lacroix experienced a final with a calmer scenario than usual. “Don’t get me wrong, there is always stress… I still find it difficult to realize what the players have just done after an incredible season. We don’t want it to stop, so much that we experienced together was strong, I just want to say thank you to them. After the World Cup, they showed incredible resilience. It’s easy to be the president of this club, made up of simple people like Antoine (Dupont), ordinary guys who do extraordinary things. So, yes, it’s easy and pleasant. character, humanity, solidarity and friendliness Without forgetting loyalty and honesty. We went for the right people. But beyond this double, I want to remember the performances of our young teams. , with the titles obviously and these thirteen players from our team who notably participated in the Champions Cup final against Leinster. All this makes sense. It’s awesome.”
11pm, end of the ball. Lacroix found his men on the pitch for a ballet of hugs. The third half could begin in the privacy of the locker room. Traditional cigar in hand, sunglasses on his nose, bare feet and tie stolen by Dupont. A photo with the Shield shared with Peato Mauvaka to announce his extension. Lacroix toasted with the players, congratulated them all and also received their congratulations. Two hours later, he was one of the very last to leave the locker room to rush into a packed bus, and cross Marseille to the after-party organized by the club on the rooftop of the Terrasses du Vieux port. It’s Marseille, Didier. For a sleepless night and a party shared among the players. Tradition, forever.
