Latest news with #Christophe
LeMonde
a day ago
- LeMonde
During French heatwave, homeless are on front line: 'We liked to sit in the shade here, but they put up a barrier'
By 11 am on Monday, June 30, it was already 30°C in the Paris's 14 th arrondissement. Two homeless friends, Christophe and Laurent (who did not wish to give their last names), had found a spot of shade across from a storefront closed for renovations. "Last week, I fell asleep in the sun," Christophe recounted, wearing a gray cap. "When I woke up, I felt really awful: I had heatstroke." Local shopkeepers and passersby know the two men well, greet them and offer their support, like Alice, a neighborhood resident, and the local pharmacist. Christophe, however, regretted the attitude of the fast-food restaurant on the street. Pointing to a small, narrow path that was now closed off but shaded, he said, "We liked to sit in the shade here, but they put up a barrier." Further on, at a bus stop, a homeless woman dressed in pink was surrounded by about 10 suitcases. "She has Diogenes syndrome," explained Eva Hamza, a social worker at the group Les Enfants du Canal (an NGO that supports the homeless). "She's exactly the kind of person we need to watch carefully, because she might wear several layers of clothing even when it's 30°C." But the woman does not appreciate contact with organizations.
India Gazette
6 days ago
- Sport
- India Gazette
French Rugby Union's Christophe Reigt terms RPL as
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], June 26 (ANI): There has been a buzz, and heads have been turning in the world of rugby. All thanks to the unique nature of the competition that is the Rugby Premier League (RPL) - a first-ever franchise-based Rugby Sevens tournament in the world. The who's who from the rugby fraternity are part of this revolutionary movement, and keeping a close eye on proceedings was Christophe Reigt, General Manager, French Rugby Federation. Interestingly, France's men's rugby sevens team had won the Olympic Gold medal during the Paris Olympics, with Christophe being a part of the contingent. 'For us, at the French Rugby Federation, it was very important to come and see the Rugby Premier League in India, because it is a very new product of Rugby Sevens, and we were keen to find out what is happening,' said Christophe, who is considered to be one of the foremost thinkers in the game as quoted from a press release from RPL. 'What's special in the RPL is that the league is trying a new format. And there is time for recovery for the players too, as they are playing one game a day. This is a very new thing in Rugby Sevens, and it is very interesting for the people who are involved to watch this unfold. The franchise model is new, and it is different for sure,' the Frenchman explained. The RPL has produced some scintillating performances from the legends such as Akuila Rokolisoa and Jerry Tuwai. And in Christophe's book, this is one of the best things about the tournament, as there is high-quality rugby on display. This interestingly has been possible only after World Rugby put aside time on their calendar, so that the best of the best could make their way to India for the inaugural edition of the Rugby Premier League. 'It is very interesting to see that in India that there is a movement that Rugby India and Sports are anchoring to develop Rugby Sevens. It is a very good idea to have international stars and legends showcase the high level of the sport through the Rugby Premier League. It is very important and an interesting way of developing Indian Rugby. It is a very interesting try,' he added. Whilst some of the big international names have been front and centre in terms of the standout performances, the Indian players have also stepped up with some season-defining moments. One of the best performers in fact has been Javed Hussain for the Hyderabad Heroes, who is among the players with the most number of tries in the tournament. 'For the Indian players, they are able to play with the best international players, and have a better understanding of the level and calibre of rugby played at the highest levels. And they can share a lot of information on and off the field as well during the course of the month, which is very important.' 'This is a first step for the Indian players wherein they are more in touch with high-level rugby, and maybe through the year, in the future, the Indian players can get more experiences like the RPL, which will help their development,' he added. Reflecting on his time at the RPL and the tournament overall, Christophe said, 'From my trip, hopefully, I can take back some new ideas. It isn't that only the traditionally strong rugby-playing nations will have the best ideas. A good and new idea can from Indian Rugby as well.' (ANI)
NDTV
7 days ago
- Sport
- NDTV
French Rugby Union's Christophe Reigt Terms The GMR Rugby Premier League As An "Interesting Try"
There has been a buzz, and heads have been turning in the world of rugby. All thanks to the unique nature of the competition that is the GMR Rugby Premier League – a first ever franchise-based Rugby Sevens tournament in the world. The who's who from the rugby fraternity are part of this revolutionary movement, and keeping a close eye on proceedings was Christophe Reigt, General Manager, French Rugby Federation. Interestingly, France's men's rugby sevens team had won the Olympic Gold medal during the Paris Olympics, with Christophe being a part of the contingent. 'For us, at the French Rugby Federation, it was very important to come and see the GMR Rugby Premier League in India, because it is a very new product of Rugby Sevens, and we were keen to find out what is happening,' said Christophe, who is considered to be one of the foremost thinkers in the game. 'What's special in the GMR RPL, is that the league is trying a new format. And there is time for recovery for the players too as they are playing one game a day. This is a very new thing in Rugby Sevens, and it is very interesting for the people who are involved to watch this unfold. The franchise model is new, and it is different for sure,' the Frenchman explained. The GMR RPL has produced some scintillating performances from the legends such as Akuila Rokolisoa, and Jerry Tuwai. And in Christophe's book, this is one of the best things about the tournament, as there is high quality rugby on display. This interestingly has been possible only after World Rugby put aside time on their calendar, so that the best of the best could make their way to India for the inaugural edition of the GMR Rugby Premier League. 'It is very interesting to see that in India that there is a movement that Rugby India and GMR Sports is anchoring to develop Rugby Sevens. It is a very good idea also to have international stars and legends show case the high level of the sport through the GMR Rugby Premier League. It is very important and an interesting way of developing Indian Rugby. It is a very interesting try,' he added. Whilst some of the big international names have been front and centre in terms of the standout performances, the Indian players have also stepped up with some season-defining moments. One of the best performers in fact has been Javed Hussain for the Hyderabad Heroes, who is among the players with the most number of tries in the tournament. 'For the Indian players, they are able to play with the best international players, and have a better understanding of the level and calibre of rugby played at the highest levels. And they can share a lot of information on and off the field as well during the course of the month, which is very important.' 'This is a first step for the Indian players wherein they are more in touch with high-level rugby, and maybe through the year, in the future, the Indian players can get more experiences like the GMR RPL, which will help their development,' he added. Reflecting on his time at the GMR RPL and the tournament overall, Christophe said, 'From my trip, hopefully, I can take back some new ideas. It isn't that only the traditionally strong rugby playing nations will have the best ideas. A good and new idea can from Indian Rugby as well.'
North Wales Chronicle
08-06-2025
- Sport
- North Wales Chronicle
Goliath regains winning thread with La Coupe strike
Francis-Henri Graffard's charge was a brilliant winner of Ascot's midsummer highlight in 2024, but returned to home soil with a point to prove having since failed to make his presence felt in either the Japan Cup in November or Hong Kong's QEII Cup in April. Dropping down to Group Three level, the five-year-old was sent straight to the lead by Christophe Soumillon and while Grand Stars briefly loomed up as a threat early in the home straight, Goliath picked up again once challenged and was well on top at the line. On the front-running tactics, Graffard told Sky Sports Racing: 'We decided with Christophe that his two best races were when he jumped and not to fight with him. We decided to let him roll along on his own and let him be very comfortable and when he's like that he's a very good horse. 'Off any pace he can quicken, he has this ability, he just needs to be relaxed. He's a horse that can be very tense, that's why he ran so poorly in Hong Kong. I'm very happy because I was unsure how he was going to behave mentally and this race will do him good, so we can restart the season with him.' On whether a defence of his King George crown could be on the agenda, the trainer added: 'I have to discuss it with the entourage. We'll see how he comes back and what Christophe says, but obviously he will target the big races again.' Maranoa Charlie stamped his class on the Group Three Prix Paul de Moussac. An impressive winner of the Prix Djebel on his seasonal reappearance, Christopher Head's charge was subsequently beaten into fourth place when dropped back to six furlongs in the Prix Texanita. The free-going three-year-old was unable to get to adopt his customary pacesetting tactics that day, but was soon out in front in this seven-furlong contest and confirmed his superiority over Djebel runner-up Silius with a clear-cut victory. Head said: 'He's really a beast! I can't wait to see him in the Group One Prix Jean Prat as his next race. That is why we were here today and I'm happy he has shown he has the capacity to win over 1400 metres (seven furlongs). 'It was important (to run in the Prix Texanita) because if he could have been a sprinter he could have been to Royal Ascot and everything, but he's showing that's he's not a sprinter and he's not a miler, he's in between and he's doing it very well. 'This horse keeps on surprising us and we just can't wait to see his next race.' Ed Walker's British raider Troia claimed Listed honours in the Prix Volterra. Winner of two of her previous four starts and third in Listed company at York last month, the daughter of Kingman knuckled down to go a couple of places better under Kieran Shoemark. 'She broke cleanly from the gates and we were able to get a beautiful position and we weren't going overly quick on the front end,' said Shoemark. 'We were able to save and save and she stays this trip really well. It actually surprised me as it just took her a few strides to hit top gear, but when she found it I felt she was comfortable at the line. 'She's a pretty straightforward filly and she wants to do it, which is the main thing.'
Leader Live
08-06-2025
- Sport
- Leader Live
Goliath regains winning thread with La Coupe strike
Francis-Henri Graffard's charge was a brilliant winner of Ascot's midsummer highlight in 2024, but returned to home soil with a point to prove having since failed to make his presence felt in either the Japan Cup in November or Hong Kong's QEII Cup in April. Dropping down to Group Three level, the five-year-old was sent straight to the lead by Christophe Soumillon and while Grand Stars briefly loomed up as a threat early in the home straight, Goliath picked up again once challenged and was well on top at the line. On the front-running tactics, Graffard told Sky Sports Racing: 'We decided with Christophe that his two best races were when he jumped and not to fight with him. We decided to let him roll along on his own and let him be very comfortable and when he's like that he's a very good horse. 'Off any pace he can quicken, he has this ability, he just needs to be relaxed. He's a horse that can be very tense, that's why he ran so poorly in Hong Kong. I'm very happy because I was unsure how he was going to behave mentally and this race will do him good, so we can restart the season with him.' On whether a defence of his King George crown could be on the agenda, the trainer added: 'I have to discuss it with the entourage. We'll see how he comes back and what Christophe says, but obviously he will target the big races again.' Maranoa Charlie stamped his class on the Group Three Prix Paul de Moussac. An impressive winner of the Prix Djebel on his seasonal reappearance, Christopher Head's charge was subsequently beaten into fourth place when dropped back to six furlongs in the Prix Texanita. The free-going three-year-old was unable to get to adopt his customary pacesetting tactics that day, but was soon out in front in this seven-furlong contest and confirmed his superiority over Djebel runner-up Silius with a clear-cut victory. Head said: 'He's really a beast! I can't wait to see him in the Group One Prix Jean Prat as his next race. That is why we were here today and I'm happy he has shown he has the capacity to win over 1400 metres (seven furlongs). 'It was important (to run in the Prix Texanita) because if he could have been a sprinter he could have been to Royal Ascot and everything, but he's showing that's he's not a sprinter and he's not a miler, he's in between and he's doing it very well. 'This horse keeps on surprising us and we just can't wait to see his next race.' Ed Walker's British raider Troia claimed Listed honours in the Prix Volterra. Winner of two of her previous four starts and third in Listed company at York last month, the daughter of Kingman knuckled down to go a couple of places better under Kieran Shoemark. 'She broke cleanly from the gates and we were able to get a beautiful position and we weren't going overly quick on the front end,' said Shoemark. 'We were able to save and save and she stays this trip really well. It actually surprised me as it just took her a few strides to hit top gear, but when she found it I felt she was comfortable at the line. 'She's a pretty straightforward filly and she wants to do it, which is the main thing.'
