A small game in Paris, but a historical game for Europe

On 18 March 2023, rugby players from Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Croatia, France, Netherlands, Ireland, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain and UK entered on a rugby field all wearing a European Union jersey. The sun was shining for the European Parliament rugby team (EPXV), first ever game against the French XV parlementaire of the Assemblée Nationale, in preparation for the Parliamentary Rugby World Cup this summer.

For the first time, the European anthem resonated in Stade Georges Carpentier in Paris, followed by the Marseillaise. Players took position on the pitch, the referee blew his whistle and then the kick-off: the parliamentary rugby game was on. Specific rules apply to limit injuries: players are not carried up for line-outs, power is limited in scrums, the ball must be passed after a 10 meter run and tackles aren’t allowed on players over 50 years old or women. Unfortunately, it does not prevent accidents and soon players left the field with injured ribs or knees. Alain Bloëdt and Romain Moortgat, EPXV Coaches, replaced players regularly to allow everyone to play and allow players to recover. This friendly game turned out to be more intense than expected for both teams.

The EPXV had to prove itself as a team after months of training: its defence resisted well and several offensive opportunities emerged. The French team, stunned by their European peers’ effectiveness, had a hard time to open the scoring. At half time, the score was still 7-0 for the French XV Parlementaire. The EPXV were losing but achieved its goal: to face an experienced team and impose its rhythm. During the second half, the team tested the French defensive line, and David Thioux penetrated through to score the first ever European try.

The final score 24-7 in favour of the XV parlementaire reminds us that France is a Rugby nation and the EPXV team has still a lot of training ahead. However, the team has now a solid basis to address its weaknesses and improve its game.

After the game, the teams met around few glasses of pastis and a nice lunch, during which a cheque of 1500 EUR was delivered to the association Féminité sans abris. The third half continued at the Stade de France for the game France-Wales in the afternoon. This time, teammateswore European Parliament scarfs raising the curiosity of the French supporters. EPXV players introduced the team and told of their morning misfortune against the French XV parlementaire, the supporters concluded:

“We hope you’ll give them hell during the world cup!”.

Point taken.