Tonight on French TV, there'll be a documentary about the history, role and input of Black athletes in French football (see trailer - in French - below feat. Marius Tresor, Lilian Thuram, Patrick Viera and many more...). This work aims to explain, discuss and ease the issue of racism in football... or not only in football...
When I read the news this morning, I said to myself that it would be interesting to recall that early French rugby had always welcome players from all nationalities, from all social backgrounds.. and from all colours... since the very first days of French championship back in 1892.
As a symbol, let's not forget that two Black ruggers were capped with the very first Equipe de France vs New Zealand in 1906.
Georges Jérome (left) and André Verges (right), both forwards from Stade Français, were here shot in La Vie Au Grand Air, Dec. 1905, in an article introducing the newly formed team to the public. They are also sitting 3rd and 6th in the front row of Equipe de France team picture...
I am not candid enough to ignore that the condition of Black players then got worse in rural and post-war rugby... but yet a strong message !
(here are larger pics of Jerome, Verges and 1906 Equipe de France)
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