IF YOU were lucky enough to spend time in France during the World Cup, the likelihood was you ended up humming the tune of La Peña Baiona.
You might not have known what it was, but the iconic tune that belongs to the fans of l’Aviron Bayonnais – Bayonne – in the French Basque Country became the anthem of an entire country. Yet ask anyone from the country’s heartlands and there’s an overriding response: you haven’t experienced La Peña until you’ve heard it at Bayonne’s Stade Jean-Dauger.
The song’s lyrics describe Bayonne’s supporters, dressed in their blue and white scarves, cheering on their men. As the team hype themselves up in the changing rooms before the game, the stadium joins in unison to sing La Peña.
Bayonne have won three national titles but the last of those came during the Second World War. Their more recent history has been one of yo-yoing between the top two divisions.
Uzair Cassiem, the South African No 8, arrived at the club at its lowest ebb. In 2021 they had just been relegated from the Top 14 in the cruellest fashion – in a relegation play-off against bitter rivals Biarritz. It was a game Bayonne should have won, but Biarritz hung in and took the game to a shootout – with Steffon Armitage delivering the decisive blow.
Cassiem didn’t take long to understand just what that meant to the town. “In the first two weeks, I was speaking to one of my neighbours,” he recalls. “He told me that his father was depressed for two months after the defeat to Biarritz.
この記事は Rugby World の March 2024 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、8,500 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です ? サインイン
この記事は Rugby World の March 2024 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、8,500 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です? サインイン
WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS!
As the domestic season comes to a close, we take a look across the English pyramid to see which community clubs have tasted success
Japan's landmark
The Brave Blossoms are preparing for an historic first home Test against England. Rich Freeman explains why it means so much
WHAT IT'S LIKE TO ...BRING RUGBY TO INDIA'S STREETS
RW finds out why Kolkata kids are picking up the oval ball in Quins shirts
Anthony Brooke
Mixed ability sport might not exist but for this multiple award-winner
SCOTT ROBERTSON
The new All Blacks head coach awaits the arrival of England on tour before embarking on a first Rugby Championship. We tune into his method and mindset...
SYDNEY GREGSON
The England centre hopes Saracens can right past wrongs in the play-offs
STATE OF PLAY
Uncertain futures on the SVNS series, funding issues and the small matter of the Olympics - former captain TOM MITCHELL looks at what's going on with Team GB
MAX POWER
His jump to senior standout has impressed many in Scotland and Glasgow's MAX WILLIAMSON has shown there is a way forward
KWAGGA SMITH
The Springboks have a point to prove against Ireland, says the flanker
Nash smashes on!
A BREAKTHROUGH STAR IN THE SIX NATIONS, MUNSTER WINGER CALVIN NASH HAS DONE IT THE HARD WAY