“The fans are always there, rain, wind or snow”: 100th consecutive sold-out match for Stade Rochelais

L'enceinte Marcel-Deflandre du Stade rochelais, un phare dans la ville. MAXPPP – Laurent Lairys

The series began on January 2, 2016 (not counting the Covid period). 

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On the occasion of the reception of the leader Toulouse on Saturday (9:05 p.m.) for the 14th day of the Top 14, the club from La Rochelle will celebrate its 100th consecutive sold-out match in the championship at Marcel-Deflandre. Not counting the period of health gauge due to Covid-19, this series of the Stade Rochelais began on January 2, 2016 during the reception of Castres Olympique, where the Rochelais won 25-21.

“It shows how loyal our supporters are. They are always there whether it's raining, windy or snowing. If we called them to come at midnight, they would be there (laughs)“, estimated La Rochelle pillar Uini Atonio, at the club since 2011 when La Rochelle was playing in Pro D2. Double European champion (2022, 2023), La Rochelle returned to the Top 14 in 2014 after eight years in the second division.

15567 spectators on average per match in the Top 14

“This hundredth sold-out sell-out is a good reward for the club and the city. Playing in a full stadium is important. I've known matches that were full to 5,000 seats (laughs). It proves the loyalty and love that the city has for this sport”, assures Romain Carmignani, forwards coach and former player of Maritimes.

To celebrate this 100th, a pre-match show is planned with “pyrotechnics, light show and dance show” on the program before the players enter.

At the end of the first leg, the Top 14 had recorded an average attendance of 15,567 spectators per stadium, up 9% compared to last season “which was already a historic year”, according to the National Rugby League. The record for this season was reached on the 13th day, with an average of 19,403 spectators.