When the girls get involved, rugby finds its soul again. For the Pitchounettes, it is unthinkable to play only two halves. If they came to rugby, it’s partly for the joy of the game, but mainly for the camaraderie, warmth, sharing, and festivity. That famous third half-time which they cultivate with love. The rugby spirit, much talked about during the World Cup, is dying a bit everywhere, especially among the male elite. “There are new stakes, players no longer know each other and they forget the essential bond that the third half creates. With the girls, I found the true values of rugby as I was taught them,” says Christophe Mallea, a former Nuc player and manager of the women’s team.
A first training session, “just to see,” and they turned the trial into a passion. Students, salespeople, teachers, civil servants, shop assistants, police officers, they are between 17 and 30 years old. They arrived at the stadium by word of mouth, surfing the team’s site, or chatting with friends. The girls do not hide that their game is less aggressive. But while their contacts may be more restrained, they put all their heart into the scrum. What Angeline Dudelou, blonde and slender, loves most about rugby is the solidarity, but also the clash: “You have to love putting yourself out there. If you’re afraid of getting hurt, you don’t play rugby.”
The Pitchounettes have no physiotherapist, no physical trainer, just a coach, and basic equipment. But Christophe Mallea does not complain: “at least we can pay for all our travel. We have a budget of 26,000 euros and a few small sponsors. But, it’s true that we’re somewhat the last wheel of the cart at the club.” Sandrine Fontaine, the team captain, adds: “We have nothing to complain about. But in many cities, girls create an independent team, separate from the club, because otherwise they never see the money their success brings in.” In the men’s Top 14, only Montpellier has a women’s team. The Stade Français, a pioneer in rugby, has not developed a women’s section. There are teams on the outskirts of major rugby towns like in the Paris region or in Toulouges near Perpignan. Ultimately, the little media interest in women’s rugby and the lack of solidarity with male teams are the only things that the Pitchounettes truly lament. “We don’t interact with the boys. It’s not the same spirit. They come, they play, and they leave. It’s a shame!” explains Sandrine.
The team was established in 1992, with women of players in its ranks. Since then, it has grown and renewed. The Pitchounettes were first division finalists in 2000 and second division champions in 2004. This year, the team suffers from the departure of many veteran players. They lack a number 10 to form the half-back partnership. The team’s level is not homogeneous at all, between the old and the new, the athletic and the less so. Yet the Pitchounettes opened the 2007/2008 season with a fine score of 24-0 against Entente Provençale. They lost to Le Creusot on November 4, but Christophe Mallea salutes “their commitment and fine spirit throughout the match.”
Despite the under-publicization of women’s rugby, the Pitchounettes have their audience. They also benefited from the World Cup effect. They are too numerous and have had to create a sevens team, in Federal 3, to give playing time to new recruits. The Pitchounettes’ goal: to play. Nothing more, nothing less. It will take them time and experience to have higher ambitions in competition. But in the meantime, they play, and as long as they enjoy it, that’s enough for them.
New goal for the Nice rugbywomen: to develop a cadet team (ages 14/18). Young ladies, here’s a call to enthusiasts!
