Rugger Girls: Part 13 - The first European Championship

1980s: THE FIRST EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP

Thirteenth chapter of the summary of the history of women's rugby in France, from the book "Rugger Girls"("Des Filles en Ovalie"), written by Jacques B. Corti and Yaneth Pinilla Foreword by Serge Betsen. Published weekly(ish) by French women's rugby blog Des Filles en Ovalie.

One single sentence from sums up the situation at the time: "The FFRF [French Women's Rugby Federation] had no money but large ambitions."

A championship of France with its four well-structured regions existed, a successful national team, the stock of goodwill the FFR was good. He was time to try something special. This was achieved in 1988 with the first European championship for women's rugby. Held in Bourg-en-Bresse, played for the Henry Fléchon Trophy, the first continental competition was a resounding success.

The FFRF newsletter appeared in a white cover on which was written in large letters "88 women's rugby European Cup" inside which you can read this:

"If the FFRF has decided to entrust the organization of this great event at Bresse Violets club is in memory of its recently departed president, Henry Fléchon. He was the instigator of the first international (...) and his greatest wish was to organize a European Cup. "

The French women were given the best preparations, including three tournament jerseys - one for each match. A real luxury. "It was unbelievable," recalls Vivian Berodia. "The other teams had one jersey and their girls had to wash their's for the next day. "

To top all this the FFRF unveiled its new badge: a rooster.

From 21 to 23 May 1988, the four national teams of France clash: Holland (Nederlanse Rugby Bond), Italy (Unione Italiana Sport Populare, and the Lega Nazionale Rugby) and Great Britain (Women's Rugby Football Union).

Altogether 1,500 people were present at the games. The final classification was consistent with the results from past years: 1.France, 2.Great Britain, 3. Holland, 4. Italy.

Extract from the book "Des Filles en Ovalie", Editions Atlantica (2005), Written by Jacques Corte / Yaneth Pinilla B. Foreword by Serge Betsen.