At the Domek Stadium yesterday, late afternoon, the relocated Championship match was Toulouse Olympic XIII vs Swindon Lions (Toulouse won 26-6). Both teams’ supporters were well and truly there, more enthusiastic than ever despite the already well-established heat wave.
Everyone who was there will no doubt remember that this XIII tournament was transferred to Carcassonne. First of all thanks to the decidedly festive and friendly atmosphere that reigned between the English and French supporters even before the start. Due to the sweltering heat at Domek Stadium (as in the entire department) yesterday afternoon. By their own admission, the British were surprised… even if that didn’t stop some from enjoying their sausage-ketchup sandwich under the scorching sun. “We are not used to such temperatures.”, Ann and Brian confirm their team despite being stalked while traveling to France. Former XIII players, Alain and Serge for their part gave the players very harsh conditions.
“Kick-off at 6am, which is 5pm in the sun. It’s hot! The match would have started at 9pm and it would have been more bearable”. For Maria and Leila, the shock may have been a little less violent. Mother and daughter are British… but have been living in Audi since January 2022, managing the Nougaerol estate in Limousin. “We always follow rugby league and know Swindon Lions very well”, they exclaim. This fashion is as fiercely loyal to the sport as Spelley, who has been supporting the Lions “60 Years”. Many English supporters also take advantage of the tournament to stay in the department for several days to discover the territory. “We always do that when we come to France for XIII”Brian and Anne, are in our latitudes until next Thursday… and mention people who want to swim in the Lac de la Cavayère.
Finally, on the French side, note that the meeting did not only attract amateurs from Carcassonne or Toulouse: there were triathletes from Perpignan in the space of the stadium, like Nicolas, who came with his relatives. “Rugby league has always been family rugby. There’s a lot of respect and the players are very approachable.”. A “Culture”, in short, Nicholas and his family live life to the fullest: before kick-off, they diligently follow the Dragon Tournament on their phones. It’s like when you have two teams of hearts.
“Beeraholic. Friend of animals everywhere. Evil web scholar. Zombie maven.”
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