Nice Premium: Can you describe the scenario of this final against Béziers?
Loly Gagliardini: We played a very tough match against a strong team. At halftime, we were losing 12 to 10. We managed to score a try in the last quarter of an hour. Even though we didn’t convert it, it was enough. And at the final whistle, we erupted with joy!
NP: How do you explain this victory?
LG: We played more with structured phases, while the opposition was more opportunistic. In women’s rugby, there’s less kicking. We like to play by hand, and it worked! Moreover, about a hundred supporters came to support us. It warms our hearts because we are only amateurs. For us, it’s recognition.
NP: You are the D2 champions, was this a goal at the beginning of the season?
LG: We were playing for the title even if it was a semi-disclosed goal. We knew we could achieve something. We have qualities, and our coaches are competent. We didn’t have too many injuries despite a few breaks in the season.
NP: How are you approaching the promotion to the higher division?
LG: We are moving up to Fédérale 1, which is an intermediate division between D1 and D2. This new year might be challenging because about ten girls are going to stop playing. We will have long travels. We expect to experience more defeats than this season.
