Servian Boujan in search of a final in Federal 3: “We don’t want to stop there”

De g. à d. : Max Santa, co président, Anne Montariol, présidente école de rugby et secrétaire du SBR, Stephan Montariol, co président.

Meeting with Stephan Montariol, vice-president of Servian-Boujan, before the Fédérale 3 semi-final against Vernoise Vergt this Sunday, June 23 (3 p.m.) on the Saint-Lys field.

What can you tell us about your club?

We are growing, our rugby school, with 225 young people, is growing by around 10% per year. It has the maximum certification, at the same level as the MHR or ASBH. The SBR is autonomous in cadets and juniors, we have cadets in agreement with the ASBH, a flag team and two senior teams. Our Excellency B finished in the round of 16. This ensures us a good pool of players, thanks to numerous and involved managers.

How do you view the past season ?

The descent into Federal 3 had been a real trauma. The first positive point was that the majority of players remained loyal to us. We then bet on recruiting very young people. It took a little time, then we felt the progression from match to match, until a second national place. The second satisfaction was the comeback, won against two good teams. Then, we got a taste for it, with a desire for revenge after the semi-final lost two years ago on an outgoing post.

How the group lives?

There is a nice homogeneity, players happy together. We work on this friendly side with many extras, for example the club restaurant, La Cocotte. They challenge each other, they are always looking for progress.

How was this week?

Lots of recovery, setting up… The choices are very difficult in a large group, but everyone plays the game. We have 27 guys who travel, who train… and five who stay in the stands to encourage the others. This is exemplary behavior for which I thank them.

This enormous enthusiasm in the two villages, it warms the heart ?

Yes, to an extent that our supporters cannot imagine. All these businesses which display our colors, and which are also, with their resources, our sponsors. The final phases are magical, but it’s also a real marathon even if the players have a blast. So, feeling supported beyond the family circle is very important.

What information do you have on your opponent ?

It's a great team, strong up front, in scrums, on penetrating groups… We will have to transcend ourselves. They don’t want to stop there, neither do we. This will be played out as you wish.