As revealed by our colleagues at La Dépêche, the Pro D2 champions’ shield, won by Union sportive montalbanaise (USM) at the end of last season, was stolen this weekend at an agricultural fair in Montbeton (Tarn-et-Garonne). The theft was confirmed on Sunday 21 September by local authorities and by the club.

Displayed in the fruit and vegetable pavilion of the “Bienvenue à la campagne” event, organised by the departmental Chamber of Agriculture, the trophy had drawn plenty of onlookers on the morning of Saturday 20 September. But when it came to putting it away at the end of the day, the replica shield had disappeared. The original is still held by the Ligue nationale de rugby (LNR).

An “incomprehensible” theft

“It is an intolerable act that damages the image of our club and of an entire town,” USM said on their social media, calling for the trophy to be returned swiftly. Several local elected officials also condemned an “incomprehensible theft”.

The Montauban public prosecutor has opened an investigation into the theft, entrusted to the Montech gendarmerie brigade. With no surveillance cameras installed on the site, investigators are relying on potential witness accounts to try to track down those responsible.

Montauban clinched their Pro D2 title in the spring, a historic success for the club that sparked huge public fervour across the Tarn-et-Garonne. The disappearance of the shield, hugely symbolic for players and supporters alike, has caused deep upset in the town.