RCL 50th gala dinner with special guests;
Rugby Club Luxembourg (RCL) celebrated its 50th anniversary this past weekend, first with both veterans (on Friday evening) and junior (earlier on Saturday) matches at the Stade Boy Konen in Cessange, followed by a Gala Dinner at the Parc Hotel Alvisse in Luxembourg-Dommeldange.
A total of almost 450 attended the Gala Dinner, including past and present members as well as dignitaries and special guests, including a number of the club's original founders 50 years ago, including Albert Cohen who travelled up from the South of France for the occasion: he received a glowing tribute and a standing ovation.
Paolo Tarakdjan, current RCL President, welcomed everyone and said that many people had travelled long distances (as far as from New Zealand). He called a moment's silence for those no longer with us. He said that the club has 35 different nationalities across many age groups which help carry on and develop the club. He said the passion and individual player development are the club's recipe for success. He called out many people for their dedication to the club over the years, as well as to the club's sponsors (who contribute up to €45,000 annually).
Tony Whiteman, event organiser and MC for the evening, said it is great to see the RCL community spirit. He also thanked the sponsors and the special guest for making the time to be at the event. He recollected that, over the years, there have been up to four generations playing for the club; during that time the club played in competitions in different countries. He concluded by calling for a toast to the future of RCL.
Following the welcome drink / aperitif, the entrée and main course, the evening's entertainment commenced.
Firstly, the celebrity panel, compered by two current players, involving former international stars Iain Balshaw, Mike Tindall and Mauri Bergamasco,
Iain Balshaw recalled his favourite rugby memory as playing in the Rugby World Cup. His first international game was against Wales, from which he remembers little apart from one moment when he knocked the ball on when it would have been easier to score. He revealed that he never liked playing Gloucester in The Shed, nor Biarritz where the fans are "tribal"; in that context, he clearly disliked the "cucumber-eating brigade" as he respected down-to-earth, passionate supporters more. He revealed that he would have loved to play alongside France's Antoine Dupont.
Mauro Bergamasco talked in both English and French and recalled his first match when he was asked to play out of position. He also mentioned that the most intimidating stadium was in Perpignan. When asked which player today he would like to play alongside, he responded that the rules and styles have changed so much. When asked how long he thought it would take Italy to beat England in the men's 6Nations, he said he hoped it would be within 5 years (Mike Tindall credited the coach allowing the players the freedom to play exciting rugby).
Mike Tindall was asked if he gad a favourite stadium at which to play, to which he replied "without a doubt" the Cardiff Arms Park / Millennium Stadium, mainly because the players are continually in a cauldron of noise. He revealed that he would have loved to play alongside Finn Russell as he was not afraid to make mistakes. Referencing the forthcoming Rugby World Cup, he said he was very excited with the top two teams in the world (Ireland, France) in the northern hemisphere. He concluded by acknowledging the support the club and the game of rugby shown by 450 people associated with the club attending and showing their support, which drew a massive cheer and round of applause.
Then the Club Awards were presented, with the best forwards and backs over the decades announced.
The evening continued with a tombola/auction in aid of the Kick Cancer into Touch (KCIT) charity, with tombola prizes including tickets to upcoming international rugby matches, Luxair vouchers, hampers, a Samsung Galaxy phone and RCL "packs". The tombola raised €3,400, with signed rugby balls auctioned off for additional funds, with one pair of RWC tickets fetching €2,600, ensuring over €6,000 was raised in total.
Following dessert, a DJ played tunes and the dance floor opened until the early hours.
