TotalEnergies is proud to support amateur and professional rugby in all regions. Through different partnerships, the Company contributes to promoting and developing the leading sport in Southwest France, for both men, women and young people.
"The Étoiles du rugby amateur du Béarn is an event that celebrates the talents and efforts of amateur clubs in the region, and we are delighted to back this initiative. Rugby is a sport that resonates with us, through its values of respect, solidarity and high performance. I firmly believe that supporting amateur clubs is an investment in the future of rugby. We contribute to strengthening the social fabric in our communities and to promoting a spirit of friendship and fair play. It’s this robust foundation that also enables professional rugby to grow and continue to inspire future generations" explains Jérôme Poncet, Head of the TotalEnergies site in Pau.
The second edition of the Étoiles du rugby amateur du Béarn organized by the Sud-Ouest Group thanks to support from local partners such as TotalEnergies, was held on March 25, 2025 at the Stade du Hameau in Pau. During the event, which shines the spotlight on male and female players from amateur clubs in six categories, federal level, regional level and rugby sevens for men and women, as well as the rugby schools and volunteers, Jérôme Poncet awarded with Daniel Pédaillé, President of the Comité départemental 64, the official match trophy to Pierre Desclaux who has officiated in several important competitions and is respected for his expertise and dedication. "We chose this category," reiterates Jérôme Poncet, "because the role of referee is crucial to ensuring that a match runs smoothly and to maintaining the standards of fair play and respect on the field."
TotalEnergies has strengthened its solidarity commitment to amateur rugby, in particular through the TotalEnergies Amateur Rugby Challenge. A challenge that gives amateur clubs the opportunity to receive useful equipment such as training shirts, rugby balls, cleat bags, scrimmage vests and flasks, representing a significant outlay that the clubs don't have to make. Every year, 90 clubs are rewarded in the twelve national leagues, including the ones in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques: Hasparren AC, SPUC (Saint-Pée-sur-Nivelle) and Nafarroa (Baigorri and Garazi).
For the second time, TotalEnergies is actually sponsor of the Tournoi national des quartiers et campagnes (TNQC) alongside the French Rugby Federation (FFR). The aim is to enable around 30,000 young people in districts and rural areas to discover rugby, its citizenship values and to share them with committed regional stakeholders. That’s the principle underlying the tournament, in line with TotalEnergies’ commitment to youth.
Finally, the Oscars for solidarity and committed Amateur Rugby honor all those who make rugby thrive in France and continue to develop its excellence. Every season, amateur clubs from all the regions in France are honored and celebrated for the work done by their educators, volunteers and parents, for the players and for their clubs.
"TotalEnergies is proud to support rugby in all regions, in France and in Béarn, where our loyalty to this sport is illustrated by our commitment to the Section Paloise and the Lons Section Paloise Féminin. We are determined to continue promoting and developing professional and amateur rugby throughout France, by celebrating the talents and efforts of its clubs and players." concludes Pascal Breton, Manager of the Company’s rugby partnerships.
Interview with Jean-François Lombard, President of the Lons Section Paloise Women’s Rugby Club, where TotalEnergies is the major partner, and with Élodie Poublan, the women’s team manager.
Together with its partners, spearheaded by TotalEnergies, the Section Paloise Béarn Pyrénées is beginning a new chapter in its the 2024-2025 season story.