Le Lou, who was still playing in Pro D2 in 2016, was playing his first continental final.
His record was limited until then to two titles of champion of France in 1932 and 1933 or coronations in the second division in 1989, 1992, 2011, 2014 and 2016.
Author of a test and present in all the good moves, Baptiste Couilloud was one of the great architects of the victory.
Q: You were voted man of the match.
Can you tell us about your performance?
A: "Today it's the title that counts and it's the collective performance that should be remembered. We were irreproachable in conquest, a sector where we knew we would be expected against one of the biggest packs of Europe. That's mainly what allowed us to win. They had taught us a good lesson at home, but we were ready to fight, well prepared. The objective was to play our rugby, to win our duels. was all ready, we responded present in all sectors. We won because we produced play. Then the individual performance depends on what happens in front. I was carried by the state of mind and it's normal to be overwhelmed by this kind of event, especially for a Lyonnais who plays at the Stade Vélodrome."
Q: What was the atmosphere like in your locker room?
The joy of the Lou players after their victory in the final of the European Challenge on May 27, 2022 in Marseille Pascal GUYOT AFP / Archives
A: "It's a lot of happiness and emotion. It's the accomplishment of seven years of work since the club went back to the Top 14. It was important to mark the occasion and go for a title We have placed Lyon on the map of European rugby, that is not anecdotal. I am very happy with this course and I hope that the best things are yet to come. We are a group that has matured, which has been nourished by past failures. Everything has been done this year to grow together and seek this European victory."
Q: This title also comes when Pierre Mignoni will leave the club...
A: "We were very modest about that, we spoke very little about it. But yes, we have to be honest, it's the end of a cycle. He brought a lot to the club. Vis- With regard to him, for all the players he has improved, we really wanted to offer him this victory. We did our best to win this title before his departure."
Pierre Mignoni (sheet of paper in hand) during the final of the European Challenge won by Lyon against Toulon 30-12 on May 27, 2022 in Marseille.
The Lou coach will leave the Lyon club at the end of the season to return to Toulon.
"We really wanted to offer him this victory", says Baptiste Couilloud Pascal GUYOT AFP / Archives
Statements taken at a press conference
© 2022 AFP