SCAN SPORT – The 92-year-old singer filmed himself in front of the camera to wish the Maritimes the best before their European Cup final on Saturday against Leinster.
«You will win, I’m sure!Hugues Aufray sent this message of support and encouragement to the players of Stade Rochelais from his Facebook page, before their Champions Cup final, this Saturday (5:45 p.m.) at the Stade Vélodrome in Marseille, against the Irish province of Leinster.
Facing the camera, for more than 1 minute 30, the 92-year-old singer, bon pied bon œil, reveals that he is aware that each pre-game warm-up in the Maritimes is done to the sound of his famous song Santiano. “Hail to the people of Rochelle, hail to President Vincent Merling! I come to you today to tell you that I am wholeheartedly with you in this fabulous match that you are about to play. You have to come out victorious. I’m sure ! (…) You are an example for French rugby.»
“I very much regret never having played rugby”
Hugues Aufray had already posted a message of support last year before the European Cup semi-final against… Leinster. Responding favorably to a request from a La Rochelle fan, Patrick Loubière. Which does not despair of one day bringing his idol to Marcel-Deflandre. If we know his passion for horse riding, the singer, who has never practiced rugby (“I regret a lot unfortunately“), however grew up in the Tarn with his mother and has family ties in Béarn.
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The unforgettable interpreter of Celine et Stewball ends his message with a humorous pirouette, asking La Rochelle players not to “not be too harsh» with those of Leinster, one of his great-granddaughters being… Irish.