Some stories are a reminder that rugby remains, above all, a matter of solidarity and heart. The one at Capbreton-Hossegor is one of them. It begins with an absence. That of a South African player, Ruben Van Wyk, a prop in the squad, whose life has been written for the past three years thousands of kilometres away from his loved ones.

He arrived on tiptoe, held back by the language barrier, yet the solid young man managed to fit into a squad blending experience and youth. His calm, his discretion and above all his smile won everyone over. His integration was no doubt helped along by the signing three years ago of Pieter-Jan Van Lill, the Namibian with four World Cups and around twenty Top 14 appearances to his name.

« A huge thank you »

His team-mates then formed a magnificent scrum to buy him plane tickets so that Van Wyk could spend Christmas with the family he has not seen for so many months. « He gave everything from the very first day, on the pitch as well as in the life of the club», the CHR wrote on its social media.

A wonderful show of support, which will allow the South African to reconnect with his roots and see his family again, a family that has always been there to follow their boy’s performances – from a distance.

On Facebook, his father, Ryno Van Wyk, did not hesitate to thank the whole CHR squad. His words are touching. «I want to thank you for welcoming Ruben into your club and for looking after him when we could not do it ourselves».

Before adding: «I would also like to thank everyone who contributed to this magnificent gesture. A huge thank you for allowing us to see my son again». Quite a surprise from his second family. In the meantime, Ruben has four matches left before heading back to his homeland. There is little doubt the young prop will do everything he can to thank the brothers who will have given him the finest Christmas present of all.