On the road to #NeuchatelSevens 43rd edition “C’était mieux avant”!
A tribute to The Good ol’ days!
Today: The fast one
Tancrède-Eustache of Ragondinsworth aka « La Serpe » or « La Griffe Poivre-Sel » was feared for his very unpleasant tackles known as “Teddybear-Tackle » which consisted in hugging violently the opponent with arms and legs. A shocking but successful method considering the size/weight ratio versus the hugged opponent.
During the 1907 championship, Tancrède-Eustache’s fearless approach of the game enabled the club to reach the finals. It happened that Ragondinsworth had a slight tendency to clean his studs on the « off-side » opponents when in a ruck: always asking the referee first « Hors-jeu monsieur l’arbitre, puis-je? ».
His good looks made him an appreciated player on and off the pitch. His literacy and perfect son-in-law style caused much stir among Neuchâtel’s high society genitors. A notable event happened in 1911 when Countess De Meury, « teddybear-tackled” him during the Red Cross gala at « Le Palais du Peyrou ». Five children later, his hairs had turned to grey!
Tancrède-Eustache ended his career on a last, noisy, fast, tackle against Tua Kolokolonakasse, the first ever Fijian player in the Swiss Rugby Championship. After a successful rehab, Tancrède-Eustache, his « poivre-sel » hair and limpy leg enjoyed a successful career change as game commentator on the side of the pitch for the NSRC.
C’était mieux avant? 🏉
To be continued..
Crédit photo: Bruno Payrard