Each French rugby champion title has its big fiesta. The people of Toulouse may be used to it, having won their 4th Brennus shield in 5 years, they have not departed from tradition. First in the locker room of the Vélodrome stadium after the match, where they opened the first bottles of beer and champagne. And started sliding up to the shield. Without forgetting to put on the now famous large ski goggles, a tradition also on victory nights.
In addition to their aesthetic side, these flashy glasses have a real use: they protect against splashes of sparkling drinks which can get into the eyes during the third half. For the Toulouse residents, Friday’s began just after the presentation of the shield. The journalists present in the aisles of the stadium were able to get a glimpse of it, when they were called to the press conference room for a little surprise.
Opposite them, Antoine Dupont, Rodrigue Neti, cigar in mouth, or Ange Capuozzo are seated, but the Italian winger gets up and starts to water the room with beer. Next to them, in their underpants and magnums in hand, Julien Marchand, Blair Kinghorn or Paul Costes also alternately water the journalists present and their teammates. Thomas Ramos, in the front row, is hilarious.
“Don’t you want to ask Rodrigue a question?” asks Dupont, while everyone is soaked. Finally, the happy gang disappears to continue partying in their locker room. Some will come back to answer a few questions, in a calmer atmosphere.
Then, in the night, the French champion players leave one by one towards their bus, the Brennus shield tightly in Alexandre Roumat’s arms. For them, the night is only just beginning.
