President Vincent Merling walked through La Rochelle's glass doors, holding the European rugby cup high above his head. He was attempting to select the star that would be embroided on the Stade Rochelais tunic.

Cynthia felt emotional when she saw that Santa Claus was coming to visit her. "That's all, I forgot about the cold, hunger, and urge to pee. Romain Sazy gave her the trophy and she was overcome by emotion.

Over 500 people eagerly awaited the return champions. Just after 5:05 a.m. on Sunday, the Leinster champions were welcomed with a rousing celebration of victory. We see many families and not many children in the crowd. Everybody is engulfed in the experience of being a part of sporting history. We make memories. It will be engraved tonight, says Nadege. She met her family, including her son and father, at the airport at 10 p.m. She left for hire two hours after she had welcomed her heroes.

Jean, 68-year-old Jean, with his yellow and black beret proudly displayed on his head, took the time to redo Stade Rochelais' history with Philippe, 66. "My father used to take me to the stadium with his Solex when I was between 5 and 6 years old. They were shocked by the shocks they suffered against Lourdes, Tarbes and Saint-Jean-de-Luz. The second slips: "Guys went into church, we went rugby." The sturdy man cried out in pain while talking to his friends, ex-GIGN members. "40 years ago, everybody was laughing at us. We were asked "Where is La Rochelle?" Is it in the north? John confirms. "Some map placed us in Brittany. We'll at least be recognized now.

As day broke, the Maritimes reunited as one with their city and their audience. It floated like a new dawn.