This half-day co-organized by Castres Olympique and Rodez Rugby was a first. But it is not to be remembered as a simple anecdotal event between two Occitan clubs. Indeed, it is fully in line with the “100% region” program, which unites Castres with various amateur clubs, including those of Rodez, Saint-Affrique and Lévézou-Ségala. And is to be followed by other joint projects. “Our collaboration will continue, so that actions of this kind are implemented at least once or twice a year. We may see each other again by the end of the season. It shows the desire we have to grow the club.”says Patrick Furet, the current Ruthenian manager, and former third line, then coach of the Castres forwards. “We do four or five relocations a year. This year, Rodez is one of them. And of course the Olympic Castres want to come back to train here”assures, for his part, Rodrigo Capo Ortega, ex-tarn player, today in charge of public relations for the CO.
A gateway between clubs
And the collaboration between the two entities does not stop at sessions open to the Aveyron public. This goes much further, since it directly affects the sports sectors of the clubs. “We want to progress and move forward together, we have a big brother, little brother relationship. The objective is that the best players from Rodez can come to Castres, with the double licence, and that they do not go to another club. That way, when they don’t play with us, they can do it here“, Details the Uruguayan Capo Ortega. Patrick Furet adding details: “We have a certain number of players who already have the double license among the cadets and the hopes of Castres. And when they are not playing, Dorian Luans and Kévin Belmonte come to feed our first team. »
A widening of the area of Castres influence
By joining forces with clubs like Rodez, the CO, which has long struggled to attract a Midi-Pyrenean public, in particular because of the “Stade Toulousain effect”, also intends to extend its area of influence: “Before, their circle was limited to the Tarn. Today, they are trying to extend it to Aveyron, Ariège… It’s a win-win situation. »
