The Day the Kids Took the Pitch: An Afternoon with Antoine Dupont
Ah, the magic of rugby — a sport that combines athletic prowess with the kind of camaraderie that would make even a pack of wolves reconsider their life choices. And what better way to witness this spectacle than through the innocent eyes of fifteen children yearning to hold Antoine Dupont’s hand? Adorable, isn’t it? Like puppies in a pet shop, they’re ready to tackle the Rugby Gods!
From Training Drills to the Stade de France
Here we are in Acigné, just east of Rennes, where 24 young graduates from the local rugby club, USAR, have been selected to be “escort kids” during the grand entry of the players from the XV of France and the All Blacks. I mean, just imagine the moment when these tiny humans stride onto the pitch — hearts racing faster than a rugby ball at a drop kick! What a way to give these kids a day they’ll likely recount long into their therapy sessions.
A Sneaky Registration
Now, hold your breath for the twist: it appears the registration was done “on the sly”! One of their crafty coaches, Gustave, apparently thought, “Why not sneak a few kids into the biggest rugby match of the year?” It’s either genius or madness — somewhere in that grey area of innovation we call sports. All it took was a few weeks between submitting the application and the big day. Talk about cutting to the front of the line! If only I could get out of doing chores like that!
“This is the Best Day of My Life!”
As if the plot thickens, the little players are bursting with excitement. One child, Arthus, declared, “It’s the best day of my life!” before they’ve even set foot on the hallowed turf. Could you imagine? That kind of enthusiasm could power a small city! And let’s not forget the parents, who will be glued to their screens, a cocktail of pride and terror—what’s more nerve-racking than watching your child stroll onto the battlefield of sport?
The match itself kicks off at 21:05, with parents hyperventilating at home as their mini-me’s stand flanking their heroes for the national anthems. And if you fancy seeing this charming chaos unfold, TF1 will broadcast the match, ensuring that the entire nation can witness both the game and the sweet symphony of kids squeaking, “Look, Mum, I’m holding a Rugby World Cup star’s hand!”
So there you have it! An electrifying rendezvous of rugby that’s about to dazzle our screens, courtesy of the pint-sized escort squad. Honestly, can anyone else feel the heartwarming punch of nostalgia? Or is that just me reflecting on my own childhood dreams of being the mascot for a circus? Either way, rugby is coming home — right into the hearts of kids who dare to dream big and reach for hands bigger than theirs!
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Excitement builds, a few hours before the event. “I want to hold Antoine Dupont’s hand” exclaimed the fifteen enthusiastic youngsters from USAR, the Acigné rugby club, located just east of Rennes, who gathered during their training session.
In total, 24 young graduates have been specially selected to serve as « escort kids » during the grand entry of the French national rugby team, the XV of France, and their formidable opponents, the All Blacks, onto the pitch of the iconic Stade de France this Saturday, November 16. This thrilling encounter is part of their highly-anticipated autumn tour.
A registration on the sly
“We were chosen alongside another club from northern France, which means we will mix together during the event,” remarked Samuel Papon, a proud parent of one of the selected young athletes and also responsible for communications at USAR.
It was one of their dedicated coaches, Gustave, who discreetly registered the club with the French Rugby Federation (FFR), making this an exciting and well-planned decision. The process from registration to the big day unfolded seamlessly within just a few weeks.
“This is the best day of my life!”
Meanwhile, the parents of these young talents will eagerly stay in front of their screens to watch the match, while their kids take center stage on the pitch. “ It’s the best day of my life!,” exclaimed Arthus from the under-12 team, overflowing with excitement even before experiencing the event firsthand.
The match is set to kick off around 21:05, with the children enjoying the privilege of being present alongside the players for the ceremonial singing of the anthems of both nations. TF1 will rebroadcast this thrilling match, allowing fans to relive the unforgettable moments.
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How do you believe interactions like these influence the future of rugby and its younger players?
**Interview with Antoine Dupont: A Day with Young Rugby Enthusiasts**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Antoine! It’s such a pleasure to speak with you, especially knowing that you’re about to share the field with some spirited young fans. How does it feel to take the pitch with these kids?
**Antoine Dupont:** Thank you for having me! Honestly, it’s incredibly special. The enthusiasm and excitement that these children bring remind me of my own beginnings in rugby. I can’t wait to see their faces as they step onto the field. It’s a magical moment for them, and I feel honored to be a part of it.
**Interviewer:** There’s a delightful backstory about how these kids were selected to escort you and other players. Can you share your thoughts on how it all came about?
**Antoine Dupont:** I heard about the sneaky registration! It’s quite clever, to be honest. It shows that rugby isn’t just about the players on the field but also about bringing everyone together. These kids get to experience something remarkable, and I admire the dedication of their coaches to create this opportunity. Sometimes you have to think outside the box!
**Interviewer:** One of the children, Arthus, mentioned it was the “best day of his life” before even stepping onto the pitch. How does it feel to be an inspiration to so many young fans?
**Antoine Dupont:** Hearing that warms my heart. It’s moments like these that remind us of the impact sports can have beyond just the game. If I can inspire even a single child to dream big and pursue their passions, that’s incredibly rewarding. I hope to make their day unforgettable!
**Interviewer:** The match itself will be broadcasted on TF1, ensuring that not just the children but the entire nation gets to witness this heartfelt moment. What do you hope the viewers take away from it?
**Antoine Dupont:** I hope they see the joy and unity that sport brings. Rugby is more than just a game; it’s about community, teamwork, and dreams. Whether on the pitch or off, we can all connect through these shared experiences. I also hope it inspires more kids to pick up a rugby ball and discover the joy of the sport!
**Interviewer:** Lastly, what message would you like to share with the children watching today, especially those who aspire to follow in your footsteps?
**Antoine Dupont:** I’d like to tell them that dreams are important. Keep pushing yourself, work hard, and never hesitate to chase after what you love. Enjoy every moment, especially days like today, and remember that every journey begins with a single step—so take that step with confidence!
**Interviewer:** Thank you so much, Antoine! Enjoy this incredible experience with the kids, and we can’t wait to see what unfolds on the pitch!
**Antoine Dupont:** Thank you! I’m looking forward to it!
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