Rugby, Federal 2 (round of 16 second leg of the French championship): Captain Florian Lajonie wants to prolong the pleasure

Being more Bergeracois than Florian Lajonie is impossible. The latter, in addition to being one of the USB captains, is a pure product of the Bergerac team. "I started playing rugby at 14," he calculates. Aside from a short excursion to Marmande, he spent his entire career at Gaston-Simounet. However, he started by trying his hand at football, near Monbazillac, like a certain Romain Teulet. "In the family, there are only footballers," he laughs. "No one had played rugby."

A three-quarterback in the youth team and then a third row in the senior team, he moved into goal this year. "The older players teased me, saying I'd end up as a second row when I got old," he smiles. "But it happened sooner than expected." That said, the change of position doesn't change much, except in the closed scrum, of course. "We play a pretty open game," says Lajonie. "We try to enjoy ourselves. Then, I often played number 8, there was the second curtain to do."

A place to find

In almost fifteen years at the club, he's experienced it all with USB. From a Fédérale 2 final to financial setbacks. "But that's the life of a club," he puts it into perspective. "Bergerac is a family club, we're all friends. Now, for the final stages, we're starting to see people at the stadium again." Speaking of the final stages, the Ubistes are playing this Sunday, on their home turf, the promotion match against Casteljaloux. The Cadets de Gascogne, whom they beat last Sunday in the first leg (34-25).

That said, there's no triumphalism on the Bergerac side. "It'll be 0-0 at kickoff," the captain clarifies. "If we start calculating, that's when we'll be surprised. Or even risk injury. And, in the final stages, no one wants to get injured. We're going to play the match to win it." Especially since a victory would see Bergerac regain its place in Fédérale 1. "We've already achieved the club's initial objective, which was qualification," the captain explains. "Sunday is a turning point. For one thing, it's the last match of the season at Gaston. And, for me, yes, Bergerac's place is in Fédérale 1."

Response on June 1st at around 5:30 p.m.

"We've done half the journey."

Despite a nine-point advantage in their favor, the Bergeracois remain cautious against Casteljaloux this Sunday. Winners in the round of 16 first leg, the Ubistes are in a favorable position, on the eve of hosting Casteljaloux for their last home game of the season and, more importantly, for promotion to Fédérale 1. That said, in the Périgord pourpre, there's no question of selling the bear's skin. "Casteljaloux will come without pressure," warns Renaud Delmas, the three-quarters coach. "They'll want to turn the tables like they did at Soustons. For the moment, we're halfway there." So, there's no question of getting carried away. "Nine points isn't a lot," the coach puts into perspective. "A penalty try, for example, and they come back to within two points. If they ever take the lead, we mustn't panic. But, throughout the season, our team has improved mentally." "For this decisive meeting, the management will be able to count on a full squad.