Union Drancy Saint-Denis, an up-and-coming rugby club formed from the merger of two historical teams, has been making headlines this season in the Fédérale 1. With just three matches left in the regular season, the team currently stands as the leader of its pool, boasting an 8-point lead over its closest rivals. Their remarkable journey can be attributed to a deep commitment to teamwork and an unwavering spirit.
This Saturday, March 22, 2025, at 6:45 PM, Union Drancy Saint-Denis will face off against Issoire at the Guy-Môquet Stadium in Drancy, a match that could secure their place in the 8th finals of the play-offs. For the team, the stakes couldn't be higher. "If we win this Saturday against Issoire, we are assured of finishing in the top two and qualifying for the 8th finals of the play-offs," explained Vincent Gassie, the club's general manager.
Founded two years ago, the club has grown stronger with time. It emerged from the merger of Saint-Denis Rugby 93 and Rugby Drancy, aimed at consolidating resources and talent in order to elevate rugby within the Seine-Saint-Denis region. Last season proved challenging, but this year the team has harnessed valuable experience, making them the top try-scorers in their pool. "The experience from last year has been crucial," said Demba Kane, captain of Union Drancy Saint-Denis, reflecting on their considerable improvements.
“After a first year where we were perhaps too numerous, the group has tightened and is all pulling in the same direction,” Kane added. With a diverse roster that blends local talent with international recruits, the team embodies the spirit of multiculturalism in their area.
A key advantage for the club is its strong social fabric. Many players also engage in careers outside of rugby, such as teaching and sports coaching, ensuring they remain grounded and connected to their community. For instance, Demba Kane works as a manager at the Delafontaine hospital, while fellow players Corentin Leboulanger and Florent Pernet balance their rugby commitments with their professions as an elementary school teacher and a university coach, respectively.
Training three times a week to accommodate everyone's schedules allows the team to maintain a cohesive environment, avoiding the pitfalls of stratifying by professional status. The formation of the squad has been praised for its cohesiveness and teamwork, attributes that have undoubtedly contributed to their successful season.
Despite the lack of professional players, passionate support from the coaching staff and volunteers propels the team forward. Among them are Bastien Darrieumerlou, the backs coach, and Guillaume Leleu, the scrum coach. Their commitment and innovative strategies are clear as they work to enhance the team’s play. "We need to be sharper!" Darrieumerlou often calls out during practice, pushing the players to fine-tune their techniques.
Coming off a successful string of games, including impressive performances that garnered seven offensive bonus points, Union Drancy Saint-Denis has demonstrated its potential as a formidable force in the league. “What drives us is offensive rugby,” commented Alexis Teytaut, forwards coach. “Our diverse group combines not just skills but a common understanding of the game, which propels our performance.”
In the ever-growing world of sports in Seine-Saint-Denis, Union Drancy Saint-Denis aims to inspire local youth to embrace rugby as a viable and exciting sport. The ongoing successes are hoped to attract more young players to their ranks, particularly with the high-profile successes of national and international rugby teams.
On a broader level, clubs like Union Drancy Saint-Denis strive to change the narrative of rugby in urban centers, often overshadowed by the popularity of football. “Here, it’s not quite the same as in the south, where everyone is drawn to rugby naturally,” acknowledged Darrieumerlou. “But with a successful season, combined with the ongoing achievements of our national teams, we hope to pique the interest of more children in joining rugby schools.”
With a total of 538 licensed members across all categories, the club thrives on community engagement and inclusivity. As they prepare for the crucial game against Issoire, all eyes will be on the pitch at Guy-Môquet stadium this Saturday evening. The players will aim not only to secure a win but to do so in front of an enthusiastic home crowd cheering them on.
The excitement surrounding the match is palpable, with hopes high for a successful campaign that could allow them to aspire to even greater heights in the league. If they can finish strong and propel themselves into the playoffs, the Union Drancy Saint-Denis could very well be on the path to achieving their ultimate goal—a place in higher divisions that reflects their hard work and dedication.
As Saturday approaches, anticipation builds not only for the outcome of the game but for what it signifies for the club’s future and its role in the local community. The question remains: Can Union Drancy Saint-Denis maintain their momentum and make a push for promotion in Fédérale 1?
Union Drancy Saint-Denis vs. Issoire will take place on Saturday, March 22, at 6:45 PM at Guy-Môquet Stadium in Drancy. Admission is free.
