Youngsters front Brive rugby club

LIMOUSIN rugby club CA Brive Corrèze is one of the oldest clubs in France as it was founded in 1910 – and it is certainly one of the best established, with 450 players on its books.

Of those 450, the Club Athlétique Briviste Corrèze Limousin Association can count a strong youth group with 300 under-16 members.

“But we couldn’t function without our volunteers,” says Benoit Robert. “There are around 120 of them and basically they supervise the 300 in our junior teams, so it’s quite a job!”

The youngest team is the Under-7s and players move through the ranks until they reach the Under-15s and then the adult squad – if good enough.

“We’re looking for the best players, not beginners or casual players,” says Benoit. “But if any adults with a good level want to join, they’re welcome. Everyone always wants good players!”

The club really is huge. The rugby academy was founded in 1950, and the association now has its own stadium with practice grounds and pitches, and employs 42 trainers and educators as well as a team of 33 administrators, making it a great club for a keen young player to join.

For the last two years in May the club has also organised “Village Rugby Brive”, an event promoting the sport and its values of team spirit, emotional self-control and a desire to succeed. There are stands, fun activities, mechanical games and rides, and a touch rugby tournament.

This summer the club is running a series of residential summer schools for young players, which cost in the region of €450 including accommodation, meals, tuition and the final gala evening.

However, the club accepts “cheques vacances” and CAF vouchers and gives small discounts for siblings, friends and returning participants.

Dates in August are 12-18 and, while places get booked quickly, there are occasional cancellations.

For availability call 05 55 22
43 27 (9.00-noon) and 05 55
74 96 50 (14.00-16.30.

The application form plus other information is available from the club’s website www.cabcl-association.com