Toulouse (AFP)

While Haute-Garonne was classified in the red zone Thursday due to the active circulation of the cornavirus, the president of Stade Toulousain Didier Lacroix sounded the alarm: "With partial gauges, rugby is in danger of death ", he warned.

QUESTION: Stade Toulousain will host Montpellier on Friday in a friendly match with a partial capacity of 5,000 spectators. What is your feeling as the reception of La Rochelle looms on September 12 in the Top 14, and especially this European quarter-final against Ulster, scheduled for the 20 at the Stadium?

ANSWER: "It's a paradoxical feeling. There hasn't been a match in Toulouse for six months and it's a real pleasure to see the whole team play again. On the other hand, the situation was tense this (Thursday) morning with the passage in red of the department and that will force us to receive Montpellier with a partial gauge. For La Rochelle we will ask for a derogation if the figures of the circulation of the virus allow us. quarter-final, I want to continue to believe in it. We must have this ambition, it is not utopia. We must lower this figure (of the circulation of the virus, Editor's note) and continue to believe in it " .

Q: Isn't the possible postponement of the match between Union Bordeaux-Bègles and Stade Français a bad sign when the season has not yet started?

A: "We are both hanging on to our COVID tests that we have to produce. We have a certain amount of worry every time while waiting for the result. Unfortunately, I think we will all pass. We are forced to adapt to these regulations. We hope to play as many matches as possible and avoid postponements as much as possible. I am sure that we will play again one day in front of full stadiums, even if we will have to go through stages before".

Q: Economically, is this a sustainable situation?

A: "If we remain with partial gauges and without state aid, we will be in great danger. We have a hearing with the government on Tuesday with a number of presidents and representatives of the League to discuss these subjects. speaks of a shortfall of 30 million euros for a period of two months for all the clubs. For example, the quarter-final represents for us a revenue of 1.1 million euros and a Top match 14 with normal crowds is around 300,000 euros. With partial gauges, rugby is in danger of death. Without help, we won't wait three months to shut down, unfortunately. "

Interview at a press conference

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