Press release – Three TOP 14 team training sessions open to the public in August
Following the high-altitude oxygenation training camps in La Plagne for the FCG and Oyonnax PRO D2 teams in July, it is now the turn of the TOP 14 teams in August, with visits from ASM Clermont Auvergne, Castres Olympiques and RC Vannes, who are returning to the TOP 14 next season.
Year after year, these training and team-building camps are highlights of the partnerships forged between the destination and the teams. For each team, the public will have the opportunity to watch a training session, followed by an autograph session.
Opportunities for interaction with the public
The programmes include group training sessions on the natural-grass rugby pitch in Plagne Villages, at an altitude of 2,000 metres, indoor weight-training sessions and team-building activities, such as rafting on the River Isère in the valley or a trip up to Live 3 000.
With the friendly atmosphere typical of the rugby world, fans will have the opportunity to meet the players, watch training sessions open to the general public and leave with the players’ autographs following the signing session (posters provided on site, or you can bring your own item to have it personalised).
From the natural stands on the grassy slopes, you’ll enjoy a prime view of the stadium and be right in the thick of the action!
RC Vannes: Monday 3 August
10.00 am: training session at the stadium
5.00 pm: autograph session on the terrace of the Carlina Hotel in Belle-Plagne, attended by 20 players and featuring the Pro D2 trophy.
A unique opportunity to get up close to the Vannes squad as they enter their final week of pre-season training, followed by a week’s rest and friendly matches. A one-of-a-kind training camp in the mountains, away from Brittany
The squad will include, notably, Michael Ruru – named man of the match in the last Pro D2 final – and long-serving stalwarts such as Francisco Gorrissen, Maxime Lafage and Anthony Bouthier. Notable new signings include Matias Alemanno (103 caps for Argentina, fresh from three matches with the Pumas), Ugo Boniface (European champion with UBB) and Giorgi Beria, a French international.
Castres Olympique: Wednesday 12 August
3.00 pm: training session followed by an autograph session
An opportunity to see the squad of around fifty players in action, including key players such as Mathieu Babillot (flanker, captain), Baptiste Delaporte (flanker, captain), Santiago Arata (scrum-half), Louis Le Brun (fly-half) and Jack Goodhue (centre). It is worth noting that this will also be the first training camp in France for new signing and Scottish international Hamish Watson.
ASM Clermont Auvergne: Tuesday 18 August
3.00 pm: training followed by an autograph session
Led by Christophe Urios, the 55 ASM players will round off August with some top-class rugby.
