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FRENCH TO STORM ODSAL ON BASTILLE DAY!

Posted on Monday, 10 July 2006 04:01PM by AL York
FRENCH TO STORM ODSAL ON BASTILLE DAY! This year three French Rugby League clubs are set to storm the Grattan Stadium, Odsal, on Bastille Day, the day the Bulls host the Catalan Dragons, as a precursor to lifting the Fairfax Trophy at the York Rugby League 9’s the following day. July 14th, officially the Fete Nationale, but popularly referred to as Bastille Day, is the most important day in the French calendar. Fireworks, picnics and the sort of feeding that makes France world champions of the culinary super league, mark the day all over France. The immediate trigger was the storming of the Bastille in Paris, which kicked-off the French Revolution. Grattan Stadium, Odsal, will see fireworks in the form of the Catalan Dragons, a star studded side who have more than justified their inclusion in Super League, boasting a raft of French internationals, aided by the quality of such as Kiwi captain Stacey Jones. The Dragons attempt to storm the Bradford Bastille, will be given added Gallic flavour, as they will be roared on by three other French teams, FC Lezignan-Corbieres, Lyon-Villeurbanne and Toulouse Ovalie. Lezignan, French Cup Finalists last month, have played, at York, every year since the start, landing the Fairfax Cup in 2003. Lyon are coming from the first time and include some of France’s brightest young prospects, including former Lezignan star Cedric Duzant, player of the tournament in 2003. Toulouse is a prodigious nursery club from the famous rugby city, and is looking to France international winger, Stephane Henrat, to make an impression. All three are guests of the Bradford Bulls, before they don their shirts to attempt their own storming of the York fortress. Delighted to be at the York event, the visitors are thrilled to be guests of the Bulls, on such a prestigious occasion. Said Lezignan Director, Patrick Pedrazzani “there is no greater incentive for both the Dragons and the French teams at York, than to win in England, on this weekend which is special for all French people”. Sebastien Aguerra, lively player coach of Lyon, said, “the Bulls and the Odsal fortress is famous amongst French Rugby League. We are delighted to be sharing in this great weekend.” Bruno Cazala, Manager of Toulouse, is a regular visitor to north of England with France Juniors, but promises, “ the Dragons in Super League has been a great boost to French RL. We are honoured to be special guests of such a famous club as the Bulls. We will enjoy the occasion before we cause a few surprises at York”. The French clubs will be presented on the pitch to fans of the two Super League giants. Said Bulls Media manager Stuart Duffy “the Bulls have conducted their own revolution since the start of Super League, and we are pleased to welcome our French friends, to what will be one of the most colourful nights of the year at Grattan Stadium.” For further information about the French teams contact: Cliff Spracklen 07985 530911 For further information about Bulls v Dragons contact Stuart Duffy on 01274 762315
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