Two years later, the English returned to Terrasson-Lavilledieu, in Dordogne. Saturday May 24, academics from across the Channel will meet their French counterparts. The success experienced on May 6, 2023, with nearly 2,000 people in the André-Beaudry stadium, prompted the French University Sports Federation (FFSU), organizer, to once again approach the leaders of the USCT.
“The federation knows that we are trying to get the territory moving. By 2023, it had been a popular and financial success. Our volunteers are very mobilized: when I surveyed them, they all said yes to start again,” explains Benoît Pensivy, president of the Terrasson club.
Nearly 2,000 people attended the English victory (21-25) in 2023.
Archives Michel Faure
Two reasons led him to say yes. The first is “the club’s strategy”, namely being involved in the activities of the Terrassonnais. Thus, the rugby school will parade through the streets of the city before the match which will kick off at 5 p.m. The French team will participate in USCT youth training on Wednesday 21 and the two selections will be housed nearby: the English in Hautefort, the Tricolores in Coly-Saint-Amand.
“A showcase”
If you look closely, the previous duel had generated “100,000 euros of activity for the territory”, says the president. This is the second reason for the agreement: it is beneficial for the club economically. The latter had won 10,000 euros two years ago. In these times of declining subsidies, this is not insignificant. “We cover accommodation and transport, with additional rights, this represents 35,000 euros in expenses to start. But it’s a showcase for the area,” explains Pensivy. In 2023, the match had generated 90,000 euros in turnover.
Archives Michel Faure
The crowd at André-Beaudry.
To cover its costs, the Terrasson club will knock on the doors of its partners, obviously, and is counting on the banquet and ticketing, in particular.
120 years of rugby
To celebrate 120 years of rugby in Terrasson, other events are planned: the U10-U12 tournament for Easter, the arrival of Stade Toulousain Academy for a course open to all from U10 to U14 from April 28 to 30. Then, on September 12, 2026, the arrival of Southbridge RFC, the New Zealand club where Dan Carter started, who will also celebrate his birthday with a European tour.
