Nice Premium: Jean-Pierre Mangiapan, you presented the GARIBALDI Trophy at the end of the first ITALY-FRANCE match in the Six Nations Tournament. Can you explain why and the reasoning behind this trophy?
Jean-Pierre Mangiapan: It is a tradition in International Rugby to put a trophy up for grabs between two nations to reward the winner of their annual matches, for example, the CALCATTA CUP between SCOTLAND and ENGLAND, and the GALLAHER Trophy between FRANCE and NEW ZEALAND.
There was nothing between FRANCE and Italy, and it seemed to us that GARIBALDI and his birthplace, NICE, were the best symbols of Franco-Italian Friendship.
We therefore proposed this project to the President of the Italian Federation, Giancarlo DONDI, and to the President of the French Federation, Bernard LAPASSET, who adopted it through their executive committee with real enthusiasm.
Finally, Mr. Jacques LAURENS, President of the Six Nations Committee, authorized this trophy to reward the winner of the FRANCE – ITALY match in the Six Nations Tournament.
NP: You are a former rugby player. How did you find “the youngsters” during the start of this tournament?
JPM: Our players were conquering. Indeed, they were able to offer an iron defense and produced very high-quality gameplay.
This is encouraging for the rest of the competition, but we are eagerly awaiting the IRELAND – FRANCE match, which will probably be the Tournament’s final ahead of time.
NP: In a few months, France will be living to the rhythm of the Rugby World Cup. How do you envision this event, and will the Department participate in this celebration?
JPM: The Rugby World Cup will be the crowning achievement of many years of efforts and investments by the French Rugby Federation.
All of us enthusiasts will live this event with excitement, just as we experienced the 1998 Football World Cup.
The Departmental Committee, through the Regional League, and all of our Azuréen Clubs are planning several events for this occasion.
They will solicit the General Council of Alpes-Maritimes, and I have no doubt that our President, a great rugby enthusiast, will support these initiatives, especially those that will allow young licensees to attend one or more matches.
NP: The Nice Rugby Team is playing a leading role in Fédérale 2. Do you think we can dream of the Top 14 on the Côte d’Azur?
JPM: The road to the Top 14 is long and winding.
What seems probable to me today is that the NICE Team could move up to Fédérale 1 this year. We think it is reasonable to expect professional rugby to return within the next 2 to 3 years.
After that, it will depend on the involvement of entrepreneurs in the sporting commercial entity that will need to be established.
NP: In the 80s, the Ségurane College had a sports-study for rugby supplying the late R.R.C. NICE.
What would you say to having a sports-study rugby section in a college in NICE or from the Department?
JPM: The DON BOSCO College and High School, through the I.D.I.S.S., which the General Council strongly supports each year, host talented young rugby players, and if NICE reaches the Professional Championships, one can hope that the Academic Inspection and the Rector will re-establish the “sports-study Rugby” program.
NP: From the oval ball to the round ball, there is only one shape. You have followed the latest episodes of GYM, what is your feeling about the future in red and black?
JPM: OGC Nice will remain in Ligue 1 this year as the “black streak” seems to have ended, and a new virtuous circle is forming after the matches against LYON and BORDEAUX.
The administrative episodes in club management are typical in a crisis society but only the sporting end must be kept in mind by everyone.
