North Catalan rugby team USAP (Perpignan Harlequins Sports Union), are back in the big time. The team from French Catalonia has reasons to celebrate after returning to the top flight of French rugby, considered the best league in the world, after their historic relegation four years ago.
USAP is back in the highest league, the Top 14, after beating Grenoble 38-13 in the final of the Pro D2 at Toulouse's Ernest-Wallon stadium. This weekend marked their recovery from one of the most difficult periods in the club's history, following their relegation in 2014 after 103 years in the top league.
David Mélé (@FCGrugby & ex et néo @usap_officiel ) : "On a pas la tête à la semaine prochaine encore (...) Il faut les féliciter, ils ont fait un match énorme..."
— Canal Rugby Club (@CanalRugbyClub) 6 de maig de 2018
Les meilleurs moments #USAPFCG https://t.co/rT76ffPY0v #FinaleProD2 pic.twitter.com/7hKv0Hhv6V
At the end of the match, with promotion secured, the club's fans descended onto the pitch, waving their flags: the Catalan senyera.
Votre nouveau Champion de France de #PROD2 : l'@usap_officiel pic.twitter.com/UlaRgWIYrI
— Rugby PRO D2 (@rugbyprod2) 6 de maig de 2018
Translation: Your new champion of France of PROD2: USAP.
Un club est un livre de pages écrites et à écrire, l’ @usap_officiel en @top14rugby Felicitation aux joueurs et staff qui ont ramené ce club au plus haut niveau, et Félicitation aux Supporters qui ont montré leur légendaire mobilisation pour les grands moments pic.twitter.com/7mWXf63uwK
— Candelon julien (@JulienCandelon) 6 de maig de 2018
A club is a book of pages written and [those yet] to write. USAP in Top14 rugby. Congratulations to the players and staff who have taken this club back to the highest level and congratulations to the supporters who have shown their legendary mobilisation for the great moments.
Quelle finale! Quelle ambiance! Félicitation @usap_officiel la logique est respectée et bonne chance @FCGrugby pour le match de la montée! #ProD2 #TOP14 pic.twitter.com/LZ1BeQAQZU
— Armand Batlle (@Armand_Batlle) 6 de maig de 2018
What a final! What an atmosphere! Congratulations to USAP, logic is respected and good luck to Grenoble for the promotion match!
A club that's back on top. Fans and players celebrating again.