XV of France: a tribute to the victims of the attacks of November 13 before the clash against South Africa

The date is highly symbolic. For the first time since the attacks of November 13, 2015, a sporting event will be held at the Stade de France. On the square in front of which the terrorists launched their mass killing, then attacking terraces in Paris and the Bataclan, leaving 132 dead and hundreds injured.

Eleven after this France-Germany, the Dyonisian enclosure welcomes this France-South Africa and the French Rugby Federation wanted to mark this sad anniversary with a tribute lasting several minutes to all the victims. “There is a form of duty to remember,” the president of the FFR, Florian Grill, told ActuRugby. We are aware of the power of the symbol.”

A show developed with the victims’ association “Life for Paris”

No minute of silence but a “sober and dignified” ceremony, called “Faire Corps” just before the start of the clash of the hemispheres. A unique show, developed with the victims’ association “Life for Paris”, combining lights and music. A moment of contemplation and memories but, also, “of unity of the nation through sport”, summarizes Florian Grill.

Furthermore, during the fictitious kick-off of this France-South Africa, the FFR will honor the Bleuet de France, “as a sign of solidarity and support towards the victims of terrorism, the injured and their families”. The association will be represented on the ground by four wards of the Nation, from the same siblings, who lost their father during an attack in Bamako in 2017.

“We are the French team, our families, our ancestors and our children, children of the Republic. For us, November 11 and 13 are dates that matter in our history, in our construction and in our team. It’s also part of the preparation. On Friday, we will spend a moment on this date and the events linked to this date. We will think very hard of the families and victims who are still suffering. And to our Republic, of course, which is also suffering,” coach Fabien Galthié explained this week.