Rueil-Malmaison: a jersey of rugby player Thomas Ramos sold for 2,000 euros during solidarity auctions

2023-10-08 18:47:46

Estimated at 800 euros, it started at 1,000 euros in a succession of auctions then was sold for 2,000 euros. This Sunday afternoon at the Grognard workshop in Rueil-Malmaison (Hauts-de-Seine), the price of Thomas Ramos’ blue jersey worn against Ireland during the Six Nations Tournament in 2021 and autographed by the current number 15 of the XV of France flies away in a few moments. In total, twelve lots related to rugby – jerseys, cleats, balls, photo prints, etc. – appeared in the catalog of this solidarity auction. The city welcomes the French team again this week for its training at the Parc stadium.

All profits collected during this sale are donated to the 1 jersey for life association, which has been organizing meetings between sick children and high-level athletes for twenty-three years. “The jerseys are offered by the players themselves to our association then we put them on sale to be able to carry out activities in hospitals, finance virtual reality headsets, games and make children’s dreams come true with the purchase of places for sporting events, for example,” explains Séverine Ramelet, co-director of the association.

Less enthusiasm for an England jersey

Despite the charitable purpose, certain lots arouse little enthusiasm. The white jersey with the rose of the England team worn and autographed by the emblematic Martin Johnson barely sells for 300 euros. Me Aubin Leclercq, the auctioneer of the Osenat auction house, reduced his price to 200 euros. “Let’s not be chauvinistic,” he quips. It was sold at this price.

In the room, many came out of simple curiosity rather than to acquire a particular item. “We came because we love rugby, I belong to the Racing 92 club but we don’t think about bidding, we mainly wanted to see how it comes together,” says Valentin, accompanied by his wife Évelyne. “I like rugby but what interests me more is the behind the scenes of the sale,” continues Nicolas, another resident of the city.

Those really interested are remaining discreet by hiding behind the panels of the “Rugby Spirit” exhibition, visible until November 1st. This is how the blue jersey number 9 of Pierre Berbizier, selected 56 times for the French team including 13 as captain, was sold for 1,450 euros, for a starting estimate of 600 euros. The total amount of the sale amounts to 7,520 euros.