It is a cap synonymous with the World Cup. As tradition dictates, all of the players taking part in the Rugby World Cup (September 8 – October 28) received the famous “cap” during their welcome ceremony at their base camp, explains Le Parisien.
Like the English in Le Touquet, the Fijians in Gironde or the New Zealanders in Lyon, the players of the XV of France also wore this unique headgear on Saturday, September 2, in the Bois-Préau park. of Rueil-Malmaison, near their base camp and in front of more than 10,000 people who came to witness this moment. A symbolic ceremony, but unique for some, like the 3rd line Paul Boudehent: “It’s a great honor, a lot of pride. I was talking about it not long ago with my parents, I didn’t expect so much a few weeks ago. I don’t know if I’ll have the chance to experience others,” he said.
To find the origin of this tradition, you have to go back to the 19th century and cross the English Channel. From the first international matches, whether in rugby or in other team sports, English players were given this headdress before they put on the jersey of their selection. This cap was then considered a reward.
“A cape is not given, it comes to seek itself. We don’t play with that,” explained coach Fabien Galthié.
After recovering their caps, the players of the XV of France now have their eyes turned towards the field. “The strength of this group is that after a protocol day like this, we will get back into competition mode. It’s one of our qualities, being able to switch and turn into a war machine when the match comes, “assured at the end of the ceremony Raphaël Ibanez, general manager of the XV of France.
