It was in 2002 that a group of enthusiasts, fervent supporters of Aviron Bayonnais, had the idea of uniting the people who went to the Jean Dauger stadium and outside: Patrice Herlax, Francis Gastambide, Michel Laborde and Fredo Teillery set up an association, and quite naturally called it “Peña Baiona”.
At the same time, they were gathered in a small gallery, and hummed a tune played by bandas, the Vino Griego, created in Germany by Udo Jurgens, and which had traveled over the years, in different versions, until arriving in Bayonne.
The fans love this melody very much, the Peña Baiona made it its anthem, and it was Dominique Herlax who wrote the lyrics, which everyone now knows, and which sums up well the spirit and values of rugby conveyed by the Pena Bayona.
La Peña Baiona, in Bayonne, and wherever Aviron Bayonnais plays
Since its creation, the Peña Baiona has brought together many members, recognizable by their blue and white scarf hanging around their necks.
La Peña Baiona attends all Jean Dauger’s matches but also organizes trips to follow the Aviron Bayonnais team: to encourage people to go on the go, Peña Baiona offers its members advantageous prices, accessible to all. , and compensates the difference with the income it draws from its bar (for a long time behind the south posts, then under the small stand and now in the local association at the stadium), a formula that is very popular.
During these trips, many friendships were made with the supporters’ clubs visited: wherever she goes, the Peña Baiona is welcomed, and the 3rd halves are spent with the locals who receive them.
20 years of fervor, and a team that knows how to renew itself
La Peña Baiona has known several presidents, members involved in the organization and the Board of Directors, which manages the day-to-day, and organizes travel and everything related to the life of the association.
The current president is a young man, Sébastien Vergez, nicknamed Txupi, who is supported by 23 members of the Board of Directors.
To celebrate its 20th anniversary, the Peña Baiona is organizing a big party on Saturday November 12 in Bayonne: among those registered, people from Bayonne of course, but also supporter friends from Toulon, Brive, Castres and Paris.
– Pena Bayona
Find the Peña Baiona on Internet and on Facebook.