The Charlie’s Corner, an Irish pub in La Baule, spent a festive afternoon around the Pro D2 trophy, the Bouclier. Reigning champions RC Vannes brought it along, and several dozen guests gave it a warm welcome.

Thierry Rousset, who runs this well-known La Baule sports pub with his wife, had sent the invitation. Vannes vice-president Hervé Rio and general manager Martin Michel accepted it, joined by hooker Cyril Blanchard and fly-half Pierre Popelin.

There was a blue carpet and the Breton anthem. Deputy mayors of La Baule, the presidents of RC Baulois and dozens of guests, rugby fans and Vannes supporters in particular, spent more than two hours chatting with the Vannes party and listening to Martin Michel. Local outlet La Baule News filmed a report on the event.

“Better equipped than two years ago”

Speaking to La Baule News, Martin Michel admitted that Vannes are having a tough season in the Top 14. “Last season, without crushing the championship, we dominated the regular phase. This year it’s less straightforward. Every week we face heavyweights with international-level players. It’s a bit steep.” The general manager still believes his side are “better equipped than two years ago”: “We’ve ironed out weak points and we’re better organised. Now we’re not producing enough strengths.”

He also knows opponents circle the trip to Brittany. “We’re a must-win away fixture for other teams. Coming to Brittany and discovering La Rabine, for those who haven’t been yet, is exciting for the opposition. It’s up to us to impose ourselves, especially in our own stadium.”

The pub was booked out for the occasion thanks to Marion, and decorated in Vannes colours with club jerseys, supporters’ scarves and match posters. Eliott, the travelling prop of RC Baulois and a bartender at the Charlie’s Corner, was delighted.

The two players then signed the fifty or so copies of the book “RCV and Cook” sold on site. The proceeds go to the club’s endowment fund.