Certainly, there was not the long waiting line as in old memories. Despite everything, this Tuesday, dozens of supporters came very close to the Stadium to collect their subscription card for the 2022/2023 season. Since Tuesday, July 5, two stands have been installed inside the Bodega, for the first time this year, “in order to be as close as possible to the field”, Xavier Ric confided to us during an interview last week.
– Mickael Chailloux
Maurice was there to re-subscribe, he who has been following the club for 50 years. “I tried to get a discount, but it didn’t work” he jokes leaving the Bodega. He again took his place out of loyalty and attachment to the club, he says, but he adds a requirement for the whole club: maintenance in the Top 14. Another Maurice, also a subscriber for decades, completes : “I would like us to play a little higher, eighth, seventh place, see the Top 6 to play in the European Cup”. Memories of past glory.
Rates that increase for new subscribers
If there is this requirement, it is also because there is a strong attachment. “It’s visceral” says Alain, who has come to renew his subscription. Some even take the plunge for the first year: this is the case of Jean-Paul. “I live 100 meters from the Stadium, and my family gave me a subscription for my birthday” he explains. Jean-Marc lives in Seilhac, and he too pays at the counter for his first season ticket for him and his wife. It’s more than an act of love: he admits it, he also does it to support the club economically. “I am in a rugby club in Seilhac and I know the problem well: if there are no supporters, there is no club” says Jean-Marc.
The two men signed up for the first time…and paid more than their fellow subscribers last year. Indeed, rates have increased for partners and for new subscribers. “There is a slight increase in prices due to the context that we all know of inflation and rising raw materials” explains Xavier Ric the general manager of the CAB. The leader admits: “Our goal is to regain the number of subscribers we had before the health crisis. This means being more attractive and closer to the team and the club”.
– Mickael Chailloux
A recovery without Bruni or Delannoy, Thompson-Stringer in care
Meanwhile, the players resumed training on the Jean-Marie Soubira pitch and in the performance center. If the 2nd line Julien Delannoy and the Argentinian Rodrigo Bruni (3rd line) were absent, as well as the Argentinian Lucas Paulos and the Georgians Vasil Lobzhanidze and Luka Japaridze, in selection with their country, everyone was on deck. A few cardio sessions for the forwards were carried out. Bad news, however: Hayden Thompson-Stringer, the English left pillar, missed this first session. He was present but could not train due to a foot injury.