On March 17, 2025, the Stade de France echoed with the cheers of fans celebrating the XV de France's remarkable victory in the Six Nations Tournament. Among the enthusiastic crowd was Alain Penaud, the father of French rugby star Damian Penaud. Speaking with L’Equipe, Alain shared his emotions and observations from the match, particularly focusing on his son's performance.
Alain stated, "I always let him be, he knows he has our support, that's all it matters. […] I sensed a bit of tension, probably related to the stakes. But the Blues never gave up. Damian didn't touch the ball much, but he stayed in his match. Finally, we will retain the victory and this title. The main thing is there. Let's celebrate!" His words reflected both pride and relief as the team triumphed.
Damian Penaud, who plays for the Union Bordeaux-Bègles, took time to relish the recent success of his squad. After the match, he expressed his thoughts on their performance and the character displayed during challenging moments. "There were ups and downs. We took a hit on the head in England, but the strength of the group makes us never give up. We believed in our project, we believed in ourselves until the end. We were rewarded for not giving up," he declared.
Reflecting on the match itself, he noted the challenges faced at the beginning. "The start of the match was complicated. With the pressure, we struggled to loosen up. But in the second half, we let loose. The bench helped us enormously. We are happy to have won today," he added, highlighting the resilient spirit of the team.
Interestingly, Damian's recent experiences have been marked by highs and lows. He faced disappointment when he was sidelined for the game against Italy after his performance at Twickenham left much to be desired. Yet, this setback seemed to fuel his determination. "It's the strength of this group, we work with 42 or more because there are unfortunately injuries and people coming back. The competition makes everyone raise their level. I think that's the most important for the collective and performance. The last frustration was from the World Cup and the quarter-final. Since then, we hadn’t won. It feels good to win again," Damian emphasized.
The sense of rivalry within the team has proven to be beneficial, pushing players to improve and maintain high standards. Despite not scoring as many points as some teammates, Damian remained pivotal, showing his commitment to the team's overall success.
This victory marks not just a title but symbolizes the hard work and cooperation of every team member. It sends out waves of positivity, particularly as they gear up for future competitive arenas. Alain Penaud's support and wisdom resonate well beyond the game, reflecting the familial bonds around professional sports.
The Six Nations victory has set the stage for the future of French rugby, with Damian Penaud at the forefront. It’s not just about individual accolades; it’s about the collective triumph fueled by hardworking athletes who encompass teamwork, resilience, and the desire to uplift each other. For both fans and supporters, the joy of celebrating this achievement is just as significant as the trophy.
Now with eyes set on upcoming competitions, the XV de France and its players are ready to embrace the challenges head-on, firmly believing they can overcome any obstacles as they continue to rise – together.
