Today is a big one for Adrian Chalmin at the Parc Marcel Michelin in Clermont Ferrand. The Montferrand hopeful, now 19, badly injured his cervical spine during a match in September 2005. Since then, there have been a number of events organised in his honour.
During the IRB Under 21 World Championship, two events are planned. Today, sees the 11th running of the 'Gaulois et solidarité' tournament. At 4pm there is a gala match between current and former players from ASM Clermont Auvergne.. Finally, at 6pm, the crowd will be able to watch the final of the French Top 14 competition on the big screen.
Rest for the teams
The players from the 12 teams that kicked off the IRB u21 World Championship yesterday are resting and recuperating today.
The French team will be at the Parc Marcel Michelin to support Adrien Chalmin, whilst New Zealand are going rafting in Vichy and the English are sampling some traditional French cuisine..
Skrela comes to the table
Following their 26-8 win over Ireland, the French team welcomed a surprise visitor to the post-match meal, Jean-Claude Skrela.
One of France's great back row forwards, Skrela won the Five Nations Grand Slam with Jean-Pierre Rives and Jacques Fouroux in 1977. Having coached Stade Toulousain along with Pierre Villepreux he then teamed up again with Villepreux to guide France to two Grand Slams, in 1997 and 1998, as well as a Rugby World Cup final in 1999. He has been the French technical director since January 2004.
No doubt it was an instructive meal for the young French squad..