“A happiness for an entire territory, an entire city, an entire yellow and black people”, reacts the first deputy mayor of La Rochelle after the victory of Stade Rochelais

“Happiness for an entire territory, an entire city, an entire yellow and black people”, reacts the first deputy mayor of La Rochelle, in particular in charge of sport, Catherine Leonidas, on franceinfo Saturday, May 20 in the evening, after the second consecutive title of Stade Rochelais in the Champions Cup. The Rochelais beat Leinster in the final in Dublin (26-27). Present in the stadium, the chosen one describes “an explosion of joy” of the 3,000 La Rochelle supporters.

>> Champions Cup: relive the final between Stade Rochelais and Leinster

This Saturday evening, thousands of yellow and black supporters celebrate the title on the Old Port of La Rochelle, according to France Bleu La Rochelle. Some even jumped into the water. Scenes of jubilation reminiscent of those of last year to celebrate Stade Rochelais’ first Champions Cup title.

A “glorious return” to La Rochelle for the players

For Sunday, Catherine Leonidas promises “a beautiful party”, a glorious return” of the team in La Rochelle. “There will be a parade from the station to the big clock, that is to say all the quays of the port”, details the chosen one. It will be “like last year, but perhaps with more wisdom, especially on the bus”she continues, recalling that Stade Rochelais faces Stade Français, Sunday, May 28, for the last day of Top 14.

A year ago, 35,000 people gathered in La Rochelle to celebrate rugby players. It will be “maybe a little more” this Sunday, estimates Catherine Leonidas who expects a party “in good spirits”. “It’s fantastic, it’s the rugby audience”underlines the elected official.