What does it mean to you to be selected for the Interclub World Championships in Australia?
Above all, this selection represents the fact of having been French Interclub championsfollowing a victory won at Mimizan last May, in conditions that were far from obvious. That alone was already an immense source of pride.
The club has been participating in this competition for several years. We always present teams there, because it is a strong moment to cultivate the club spirit, share a little trip to the South-West and defend our colors to the fullest. Every year, we invest a lot, but until now, despite regular finals and a third place as best result, we haven’t been able to win the title. We sometimes lacked pressure, especially since the tag team format is very tactically demanding.
This time, everything aligned. Being champions of France is already a source of great pride, but it is also recognition of a collective that has functioned perfectly. We were able to put together a solid, efficient and cohesive team. This global qualification is above all the reward for this collective work.
When did you officially learn of the club’s qualification and what was your first reaction?
At the start, we didn’t know that the title of champion of France would allow us to get a place for Australia. During the competition, a rumor circulated about this possibility of accessing World Championships Interclubs. It is still a recent international event: historically, it was mainly Australian championships, before a gradual opening to international teams by invitation.
This year was the first time that qualification involved a national title. When we understood that this opportunity existed, it clearly added additional pressure, but positive pressure. In any case, we would have given everything whatever happened, but there was this incredible bonus in our sights.
Official confirmation came a few months later. There, we really realized it. It was pretty crazy. For the club, it’s a historic moment: it’s the first time we’ve gone abroad with a competitive team. Clearly, this trip to Australia will mark a turning point and will remain a highlight for the club.
