After-sales service Rugby was just three years old when André Delavena uttered his first cry, in 1924. Eighteen years later, the future building professional donned the red and black jersey worn in particular by the Tardivat brothers, under the direction of the president Kiridjian.
“A Mister”, insists the one who, at 97, does not miss a match in the park of London, where he goes on foot. “I live next door,” sweeps the old opener, frowning.
Dédé therefore began under the Kiridjian era. “At the time, we worked on Saturdays but he compensated me so that I did not go,” he says amid the yellowed press clippings, which reflect the rich past of the after-sales service. “And, when things were not going well during matches, he stomped on his hat!” “
–
Tobacco stashed in musical instruments
Left in 1950, returned to Verdun in 1984, after a career that took him from Nevers to Amiens, he immediately threw himself into the arms of his club. “I was the team’s trainer until 2010,” recalls André Delavena, who had also been received at the Ministry of the Navy after the Verdun victory in the Coupe du Nord in 1947.
“The same year, we went to play a gala match in Luxembourg and, as there were still restrictions in France, some guys had put tobacco in the instruments of the Municipal Harmony”, he laughs. .
Subscribed to Canal + to follow the Top 14, he remembers the warm atmospheres of the park in London and the beautiful days which allowed to clean up in the old Meuse, after the matches. “At a time when TV didn’t exist, there were a lot of people at the stadium. “
–
The town hall of Verdun had the accent of the South
In the thick collection of his memories, he evokes the great leaders – “Mr. Kiridjian, Barat-Dupont…” – and players – “Dédé Tardivat, Didier Cot, Ramuntcho Tellechea…” – who have varnished the history of SAV Rugby . “Barat-Dupont had brought players from the South and employed them at the town hall, so half of the town hall came from the South”, laughs André Delavena, to whom Rémi Villaggi promised the first copy of the book.
In the meantime, you will be able to meet him at London Park on Sunday, November 14. Verdun receives Mulhouse and Dédé Delavena will be at the stadium. Like always.
–
