Stade Rochelais: the Maritimes' new flagship combines comfort and eco-responsibility

The result of two years of work, the Stade Rochelais bus, delivered in May, is an asset that owes nothing to chance. Biofuel, equipment, autonomy, upholstery, everything is tailor-made.

In June 2023, during the Top 14 semi-finals in San Sebastián, Spain, a journalist from the Basque Country was surprised to see that Stade Rochelais was the only one whose coach was "anonymous." Indeed, it had just relaunched a project that had been dormant for two seasons and which aimed to benefit from an optimal tool - and the least polluting possible - for the vast majority of its journeys.

Two years later, on May 10, the yellow and black supporters present in Vannes saw their favorites arrive in a personalized double-decker vehicle, 14.80 m long, 2.60 m wide – which requires careful planning of the journey –, 16 seats downstairs for the staff and 31 seats upstairs for the players, reclining and extending armchairs to rest the legs, refrigerator, microwave, toilets, cupboards, trash can, screens, tables, USB ports, etc., its equipment owes nothing to chance.

"I had Will (Skelton) and Jules (Favre) try out the seats to validate them. ''Bourga'' (Pierre Bourgarit) came to the tables to play cards. 99% of the time, we had all the modifications that the players, the medical staff, Ronan (O'Gara), Vincent (Merling), etc. wanted. We bothered Volvo a little, but it's tailor-made," smiles Philippe Boislard, member of the club's supervisory board in charge of this project.

"Compared to the plane, they are not crowded, they can walk, there are no waiting times."

The visit to the Castres Olympique double-decker bus allowed us to confirm that it made sense from a sporting and physical point of view. "It's an open space, a bit like a train, with 'beds'. The staff and I took it to La Plagne – a journey of almost 13 hours – it's really comfortable. Everyone has their own place, everything's there, it's classy. Compared to the plane, they're not cramped, they can walk, there are no waiting times," emphasizes Stephan Du Toit, head of physical training.

This isn't the only advantage of this eco-friendly vehicle. At the request of the Stade de France's management, it runs exclusively on oleo100, a biofuel made from 100% French rapeseed. This allows for a tax deduction, reduces CO₂ emissions by 60%, and reduces fine particles by up to 80%, making it the first Top 14 coach to benefit from a Crit'Air 1 sticker. Its range is 3,000 km, allowing for smooth round trips for the pros, women's, Espoirs, sevens, and Stade Rochelais Basket teams. All with "an identity-based but not ostentatious design. And without the stars, which had no meaning on them," says Philippe Boislard.