2023-05-21 17:31:14
Walkabout for the trophy!
It’s time to celebrate Sazy!
The supporters sing in honor of Romain Sazy, emblematic captain of the club who will hang up after more than 300 matches in yellow and black.
The player bus is now at a standstill
The Cup in the middle of the supporters
The Champions Cup trophy leaves the hands of the players for a few moments, and is being escorted by security among the supporters who can touch the Cup.
A human tide present on the Port
About 40,000 supporters present
The parade as if you were there!
It’s time for communion
The bus is still stopped in the middle of the crowd. The supporters launch: “Here, it’s La Rochelle”. Everyone resumes “Santiano” by Hugues Aufray.
“You have the right to be proud”
“Be proud, as the players are proud of you. Thank you. You are amazing. Players love you. Be proud of your club,” said Vincent Merling, club president.
Young opener Reus delighted the crowd
Hugo Reus, the young opening half from La Rochelle, receives mobile phones from supporters at the back of the bus to take a selfie before sending them back.
Botia and Wardi up front
“It’s at the front that we sing the loudest” must shout Levani Botia and Reda Wardi who are seated on the front of the bus to lead the way for their partners. Vincent Merling, the president grabbed the cup from him.
40,000 people are there
It is a real communion of the maritime people which we are witnessing with 40,000 people massed in yellow and black.
The bus continues its journey to the port
The bus struggles to make its way, still to the music.
The bus is moving slowly
The bus that transports the players and the staff moves slowly and greets the crowd. A terrestrial and even aerial crowd with some present on their balconies and even on the roofs of shops.
The bus left
Let’s go, the bus rolls as the announcer recalls the unfolding of yesterday’s events and the music “We are the Champions” resounds throughout the city.
The bus of the European champions. FRANCE BLUE
The coaches hold up their trophies
Ronan O’Gara and Sébastien Boboul lift the trophy together.
Players haven’t slept much
Arrived in the night from Ireland, the players celebrated even in the early morning. The atmosphere was already total when they arrived at 4:00 in the morning.
Jersey, flags, music… it’s all there
The smoke bombs are out, the speakers too. Some embroidered jerseys are worn, the yellow flags waved, the party is total while waiting for the arrival of the bus on the port.
The live video
For those who wish to follow the parade in pictures, it is to follow here:
The players are present
The party started around the station where the players are currently perched on the roof of the bus drinking and celebrating with the crowd. Everyone will gradually head towards the port of the city.
Some supporters are obviously very patient
The La Rochelle supporters did not want to miss this party for anything in the world. This is the case of Thierry, 63, a historic supporter installed with his family under yellow and black umbrellas “since 5:00 a.m.” in the morning to “reserve the place”, “the people of La Rochelle will merge. We are super proud of them. We are on the roof of Europe,” he confided.
The player journey
Players will first go to La Rochelle train station before boarding the bus for the celebration. The bus will then go around the port with the Cup of course.
The Champions Cup trophy. ANNE-CHRISTINE POUJOULAT / AFP
The Mayor of La Rochelle is present
Jean-François Fountaine the Mayor of the city is also present to celebrate his players with a yellow and black scarf on his shoulders. He confirmed that a security device had been put in place to take charge of the event and that everything was going well.
The party will be even crazier than last year
After the 35,000 present last year, between 40,000 and 45,000 people are expected this afternoon at the port of La Rochelle.
2nd title in 2 years
This is the second time that the club chaired by Vincent Merling has won a European title, and the most prestigious of all. And this, for the second consecutive year, against the same opponent.
Stade Rochelais lifts the trophy after winning the Champions Cup final. ANNE-CHRISTINE POUJOULAT / AFP
Players expected at 4 p.m.
The heroes of victory, the Aldritts, Hastoys, Skeltons, Dantys, Dulins, Bourgarits, Sazys and company will be at the port of La Rochelle to celebrate their trophy with their public at 4:00 p.m.
Reda Wardi left pillar of La Rochelle trophy in hand CLODOGH KILCOYNE/REUTERS
It’s been a party since 2:00 p.m.
Maritime supporters have gathered in the port of La Rochelle since 2 p.m. to celebrate Saturday’s victory in the Champions Cup final 27-26 against the Irish from Leinster.
Hello everyone
Welcome to this live Le Figaro dedicated to the parade of European champions from La Rochelle on the port of La Rochelle.
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