A sport, a club: rugby with the Archiballs
Far from the Anglo-Saxon lands where it originated, rugby is also proving popular in Saint-Martin. It is a sport that embodies values to which the Archiballs are particularly attached: mutual support, solidarity and the drive to push oneself to the limit.
Founded in 1989 and chaired by Rachel Masi, the Archiball club has around a hundred members. From taking their first steps with a ball to senior championships, the club fosters a family atmosphere.
From what age and who is it for?
Children can start playing rugby from the age of 3 with ‘baby rugby’. ‘Up to the age of 5, sessions focus on motor skills and ball games, all without any contact,’ explains Rachel Masi. The rugby school then welcomes children aged 5 to under 15. The pitches, rules and exercises are tailored to each age group so that everyone can progress safely, build their fitness, learn to play as part of a team, but above all, have fun. Under-15s and under-18s, both girls and boys, play on a full-size pitch and compete against teams from Guadeloupe in championships. Senior men’s and women’s teams can also take part in competitions or opt for the recreational section, playing ‘touch rugby’ or non-contact rugby.
What kind of progress?
“Rugby is accessible to everyone,” says the president of the Archiball. There’s a position to suit every build and every skill set. As training progresses, players develop their technique, their understanding of the game and their team spirit. Several young players who have played for the Archiball have joined the CREPS in Guadeloupe before moving on to training centres in mainland France.
Club news
This season, the Archiball women’s team were crowned champions of Guadeloupe. This victory was achieved whilst the players were part of a 10-team alliance with the Rascasses of Saint-Barthélemy. “Today, the sport is becoming more popular with women. We often talk about contact, but rugby is actually more of an evasion sport to begin with; contact isn’t the primary aim,” explains Rachel Masi. Every year, the Archiball women’s team takes part in events as part of Pink October. The team is currently running a recruitment drive and partnering with other sports to promote women’s sport in general.
Training and equipment
The various teams train twice a week, with the exception of ‘baby rugby’ and the under-7s, who meet once a week, on Saturdays. Training venues vary between Grand-Case, Quartier-d’Orléans, La Savane, the school complex and Bellevue, depending on the pitches available. Anyone interested can take part in a trial session in September, running until 1 October. Once registered, players are given a kit comprising: a training T-shirt, a polo shirt, a cap, a rucksack, shorts and socks. Players are only required to provide their own studded boots.
Registration and fees
The annual membership fee is €120 for ‘baby rugby’ and the Under-7s, €150 for the rugby school and recreational sessions, and €200 for seniors. This covers the licence, insurance and kit. The club accepts the Pass’Sport and CAF grants, and an additional contribution may be requested to cover travel costs.
Enquiries: contactarchiball@gmail.com or 06 90 58 69 90.
