"Here, you will be pampered," said the Minister of Sports and Olympic Games Amélie Oudéa-Castéra, during the ceremony, which was held under a veiled sky but by 30 degrees, in the park of the castle of Bois-Préau.

Asked about the reception of the public, winger Louis Bielle-Biarrey, youngest player of the XV of France (20 years, 3 caps), said that it was "heartwarming, it really launches the World Cup".

"So yes, it puts pressure yes, a little bit, when you see everyone who came, it shows that there is a great enthusiasm behind us, but it is positive pressure," he added.

The 33 players and their staff, who are staying in a nearby hotel, arrived on foot, dressed in dark suits. They split the crowd gathered on the lawns of the park, at the foot of the statue of the Empress Josephine, long owner of the nearby Château de la Malmaison.

"Feast!"

Framed by a guard of honor formed by the young players of the local club, Antoine Dupont's teammates, in the lead at the applause meter, listened "life is like rugby, whether you win or lose, the important thing is to respect the rules", sung by a choir of children dressed in blue-white-red.

Around their captain Antoine Dupont, (second from the right), the French players pose with their "capes", the caps they received to mark their selection for the World Cup, during a ceremony in Rueil-Malmaison. © Anne-Christine POUJOULAT / AFP

Then, after hearing the speeches of the officials, they were offered their official "cap" (cap), symbolizing their participation in this 10th edition of the World Cup (September 8 - October 28), which they will play at home, among the favorites.

"We are perfectly aware of the immense challenge that awaits us," France XV manager Raphael Ibanez told the crowd.

"D-Day is approaching, we know that you have always dreamed of it," said Amélie Oudéa-Castéra. We know you're going to do it, for the jersey, for those who are no longer here, for you and for the love of duch rugby."

Before concluding, still at the address of the Blues of rugby, to the conquest of the first world title for the France: "we want to tell you that you are the most beautiful team in the world! And above all, enjoy yourself!".

"War machine"

After a Marseille sung by players and supporters, "Allez les Bleus" sounded as the players posed for the group photo.

Gael Fickou, the center of the France team, surrounded by the fans during his arrival Saturday, September 2 at the Parc du Bois-Preau in Rueil-Malamaison, where the Blues will take up residence during the World Cup. © Anne-Christine POUJOULAT / AFP

"We enjoy, we look at the smiles, we exchange with the children, these are super precious moments," said Paul Boudehent, another "novice" (23 years, 3 sec.).

"For now, I'm living it very well, it's a huge pride, we have a great group. After, I want to say, it's up to us to live up to expectations and the event, "said the Rochelais, confiding that the group had "a huge thought for Paulo", the third line Paul Willemse, replaced in the group Friday by Bastien Chalureau after an injury.

"The strength of this group is that after a day of protocol like this, we will get back into competition mode," concluded Raphaël Ibanez. That's one of our qualities, to be able to switch and transform, hopefully, into a war machine, when the game comes."

After New Zealand on Friday at the Stade de France, the Blues will face Uruguay, Namibia and Italy in the group stage.

LRB/CPB/

© 2023 AFP