Philanthropy and Sponsoring

France's wheelchair rugby team retains its European Champion title!

Published on 11/05/2023

Jonathan Hivernat, captain of the French team and Societe Generale disability sports ambassador, and “Les Bleus” dominated the European Wheelchair Rugby Championships, which took place in Cardiff in the mythical home of Welsh rugby, the Millennium Stadium.

After 3 emphatic victories in the group stages, “Les Bleus”, the reigning European champions, qualified for the semi-final against Denmark. A 60-49 victory allowed the French team to reach the final and meet their big rival, Great Britain. Their defensive solidity and incredible mental strength in difficult moments allowed them to win this much anticipated and tense final (55-49) and to retain their European championship title.

Jonathan Hivernat

We knew it was going to be a very tough game. We faced a very strong British team at the beginning of the game, but we were able to find the resources and to play our game, which brought us a lot of serenity at the end of the game and this wonderful victory. Beyond that, we are continuing to write the history of our amazing French wheelchair rugby team with another European championship title. It's just unbelievable.

Jonathan Hivernat, Captain of the French wheelchair rugby team

“Les Bleus” will play in the International Wheelchair Rugby Cup, which will take place from 18 to 22 October in Paris during the Rugby World Cup, of which Societe Generale is a worldwide partner.

Societe Generale has been a partner of the Federal Commission and the French wheelchair rugby Team since 2019 and of the French Handisport Federation since 2003.