In the South-West of France, there is a unique ingredient, which adds flavor to everyday life and especially to Sundays at 15 p.m., RUGBY!
In Castelnaudary, stuck between the two big brothers of Stade Toulousain and Castres Olympique, it is in Federal 1 (the 5th national level) that the city's only team sports club (playing at the national level) plays. Open the door of a restaurant, sit on a terrace in the sun and if you mention the subject of the oval everyone will talk to you about it. ROCK, THE CAT or the glorious elders who also made the city famous.
The ROC: a Chaurian club in Federal 1
Le Olympic Rugby Castelnaudary (ROC) has been evolving since the 2022/2023 season in Federal 1, after a hard-fought first season to ensure maintenance, it is a new season at the highest amateur level for the Chaurian city. A rugby that is played at 16, with 15 players on the pitch and an ever-increasing audience in the stands of the Pierre De Coubertin stadium to come and encourage them.
Experiencing a rugby match in the South-West and in Castelnaudary means immersing yourself in an atmosphere, a culture which makes up the DNA of the territory.
In Castelnaudary hearts swing, between the supporters of Castres Olympic, Tarnais partner club with the five Shields of Brennus, and the Stade Toulousain, the finest track record in French and European rugby. Aude is not to be outdone,US Carcassonne and RC Narbonne (2 Brennus 1936, 1979) also had the heyday of French rugby union, especially in the last century, but Aude is also a great land of rugby union, with three teams in Elite 1, Limoux, LĂ©zignan CorbiĂšres and Carcassonne.
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The Pays Lauragais-Audois, a territory where it is good living !
Well-anchored values
Rugby in Castelnaudary is also its illustrious elders, especially the Spanghero brothers, Walter, surely the best known, counts 51 selections for the French team from 1964 to 1973, including 11 times captain, 3 victories in the 5 nations tournament including a Grand Slam in 1968. Claude, the second international of the siblings, played 22 times in the blue jersey with the rooster on the chest, including 7 times with his brother. In the family the six boys played rugby, Walter, Laurent, Jean-Marie, Claude, Guy and Gilbert.
Guy, one of the youngest brothers, brings this rugby spirit to life in Castelnaudary, with the pub restaurant Twickenham (named after the famous English stadium) at the entrance to the city. This superbly decorated place within a hotel has become an institution in the region, with its rugby museum and its superb collection of 180 autographed jerseys from the best players on the oval planet. It is not uncommon when you have lunch at Twickenham to find yourself sitting next to a famous rugby player.