Home All Blog Posts France Claims Emotional Victory At Classic

France Claims Emotional Victory At Classic

Only than a day after terrorist attacks in Paris left more than 120 people dead and hundreds more injured, the French team laid claim to a bittersweet victory by defeating the United States 17-5 to win the Plate Final World Rugby Classic in Bermuda.

The November 14 match was preceded by a moment of silence to show support for France and the victims of the assault on Paris, followed by the French players hugging one another as they sang an emotional rendition of the French national anthem.

The evening of Friday, November 13 saw seven coordinated terrorist attacks carried out around the French capital, including explosives detonated at the Stade de France during a friendly football match, several shootings at public areas of the city, and a hostage taking at the Bataclan concert venue that ended with at least 89 people killed.

The attacks lead to a state of emergency in France, and an outpouring of support from nations spanning the globe.

Bermuda’s Premier Michael Dunkley wrote to French President Francois Hollande to formally express condolences on behalf of Bermuda.

The letter said, “The people of Bermuda share the distress, the sadness and the horror experienced by the people of France following Friday’s terrorist attacks in Paris.

“We live far apart but share the values of freedom, democracy and brotherhood that France has championed throughout its modern history. When they are attacked, as they were on Friday in the capital, then you can depend on us to stand with you.

“Our Flags fly at half-mast in solidarity, our prayers are with the victims and the families, and our support for your efforts to defend the French people and our civilization is total.”

France’s victory at the Plate Final was followed by the Classic Final, which saw the Lions defeat New Zealand 22-5 at the National Sports Centre.

The World Rugby Classic is an annual event on the Bermuda sporting calendar, with the always popular event attracting enthusiastic crowds.

This year’s Classic saw teams from Argentina, France, Canada, South Africa, Italy, New Zealand, the UK, and the United States taking part in the week-long event.

Other match results during the week of competition included the US defeating Italy 48-19, Classic All Blacks claiming victory over Classic Springboks 20-14, France defeating Canada 24-0, Classic Lions beating Argentina 20-17, South Africa winning against the US 29-12, Classic All Blacks defeating Italy 12-6, Argentina defeating France 14-12, and the Classic Lions over Canada by a score of 43-7.

Comments

comments

Previous articleBermuda, America’s Cup On CNN’s MainSail
Next articlePort Royal Named Best Bermuda Golf Course