Sofiane Guitoune on the harp, Joël Merkler on the cello or even Ugo Mola on the baton. These are not metaphors for the last match played by rugby players from Stade Toulousain, but the scene that played out this week in the Halle aux Grains. The first act of a meeting between the Rouge et Noir and the musicians of the National Capitol Orchestra in masterclass mode, everyone can discuss their practices. “They were able to share their experiences, we have things in common, the passion and the ability to play as a team, that requires hours of work and sacrifice,” recalls the president of the stadium owners, Didier Lacroix.
“We have this rigor, this consistency and the sense of others, because to play well, music or rugby, we must be concerned about others”, adds the conductor Pierre Bleuse who made settle the rugby players in the middle of the desks, so that they soak up the music. And intends to play the return match during a day of immersion in Ernest-Wallon, during training.
A way to broaden the horizon of the players, far from the fields or the cohesion courses at altitude. far from their comfort zone. “We try to immerse them, we also brought them to the theater to awaken their senses. They wanted to touch instruments, some actually play them, ”says Ugo Mola, Stade Toulousain coach.
It is also a taste of the charity concert that will be given on May 22 by this “XV symphony” for the benefit of charities. The players will not take the place of the musicians, but they will do their part to play rugby with symphony.