Trinity was abuzz with excitement in September as the French national rugby team arrived to make the school their training base for the 2015 World Cup. During their two weeks here for the group stages, they were an inspiration to our sportsmen and women, our linguists and all rugby fans, young and old.
“Les Bleus” arrived on Sunday 13th September to a cheering crowd of pupils, parents and staff. They made full use of the 1st XV pitch – meticulously prepared by the grounds staff – the sports hall, the pool, the fitness suite, the new and upgraded Strength and Conditioning Centre and the sports pavilion.
After securing their first two wins, the team repaid Trinity’s hospitality by hosting an open training session. Visitors watched the players go through their practice routine, and the players involved the 1st XV in their drills. Frédéric Michalak also gave a one-on-one training session to 1st XV captain, Charlie Fatoma, who is also the England Counties rugby captain.
Charlie said it was an “inspiration” to train with Mr Michalak. “It showed me that it is not an unrealistic dream of mine, and that maybe one day, I can be of the same standard,” he said. Manager Philippe Saint-André spoke at a whole school assembly and players visited some French lessons during the week – and the French ambassador even came to Trinity to meet the players.
Mr Bishop said that the excitement of the students made “everything worthwhile” to see how the French team interacted with the students. “It was wonderful to see the sheer excitement of our younger boys as the French players were so generous with their time,” he said.
