May 28, 2022, Stade Rochelais won the European Cup final 24 to 21 against the Irish of Leinster. Historical. After three defeats in the final, La Rochelle went for the first title in its history, a real feat against one of the most successful teams in the competition.
Winner of the Six Nations Tournament with a Grand Slam with the Blues, the vice captain of the XV of France looks back on his exceptional year: “It’s been a crazy year, yes. After a last season where there were a lot of disappointments. And there, we got off to a flying start. There was this first tour with the France team and the victory against the Blacks. It was a huge moment for me, I thought it would be the best match of my career. Except that then came the Six Nations tournament with this Grand Slam which had been awaited for 12 years. been great, lots of emotions. And then, I want to say the climax, finally a title for Stade Rochelais with this European Cup! There is sure to be a bit of disappointment with the Top 14, we always wanted more. But it’s been a great year.” says Grégory Alldritt.
The international third line is delighted with the new bonds that this first title for the Maritimes has created, “new links between us, the staff, the players, the supporters which will remain for life”. This victory proved that Stade Rochelais was there “to win. We are not satisfied, it made us hungry. We no longer hide our ambitions, we want to get the Brennus next year (the title of champion of France) and the European Cup.”
For Grégory Alldritt, who has just extended for three years with La Rochelle, this team is “unique in France”. He details: “There are more than 800 partners, this immense fervor of the supporters too. They are always behind us. In Lens against Racing they were there, in Marseille, they were there, to celebrate the title on the port (of La Rochelle), they were there. You really feel like you’re playing for an entire region, an entire department, an entire city, it’s really impressive. They are always there, they surprise us from match to match. I who come from the South-West, I play to experience these emotions!”he rejoices.
No international tour with the XV of France in Japan this summer, but a well-deserved break for the third international line. “I’m going to rest, recuperate and very quickly get back to sport to prepare for this pre-season which is going to be very tough in view of having a good season with La Rochelle. And if there is a good season, there may be -to be a World Cup in 2023!” breath Gregory Alldritt. At only 25 years old, the number 8 of Stade Rochelais and essential link in the current success of the XV of France, has become an international reference. He is delighted with the enthusiasm of the youngest, especially girls, for this sport.