The game played in heaven
By Alan Adams
From LARRIVIERE SAINT-SAVIN
LARRIVIERE, SAINT-SAVIN, 11 September - Rugby is often cited as the game that's played in heaven and perhaps the closest connection to this old cliche can be found in a small chapel in southwest France.
Called Notre-Dame-du-Rugby, its four stained glass windows are proof that rugby is a religion around here. In one window, there is the figure of the Virgin Mary with a small boy in her arms and a rugby ball is in his hands. At their feet, players are jumping in a line-out.
Behind the altar is a cabinet with photos of men who have died on the pitch or of injuries inflicted during games. A local priest, Michael Devert, restored the church in the 1960s, and it is well known by people in this corner of France.
In the town square in nearby Girande, Huret Gilles is shopping for oysters and tucked under his right arm is a magazine about rugby. "I have faith and France will win the world cup," he said.
Gilles hasn't made the climb to Notre-Dame-du-Rugby, although he said he might after France's loss to Argentina and as the host nation's second game against Namibia draws closer.
"Rugby is religion here," he said. In a nearby cafe, Xavier Brethes is having a coffee with a long-time friend. Like Gilles, he is certain that France will prevail.
"There is a mass every year at Notre-Dame-du-Rugby for the old players from this area," he said. "I always go to it but maybe it is time to go again."
That said, he pointed to the top of the hill, to where the rugby shrine overlooks the valley.
"Maybe I will light a candle," he said.
As more upsets unfold maybe more candles will be lit at Notre-Dame-du-Rugby for countries other than France before the IRB Rugby World Cup ends in mid-October.
RNS aa/md/sek/kb