Allée Charles Brennus

Have you ever heard of a street named after the “father of French rugby”? Here at Allée Charles Brennus, we celebrate just that. Allée Charles Brennus isn’t just a pathway. It’s a tribute to a man named Charles Brennus, the mastermind behind the iconic Bouclier de Brennus, the trophy awarded to the winners of the French rugby union championship. Located in the 16th arrondissement of Paris, Allée Charles Brennus sits near the Stade Jean-Bouin, a fitting location given Brennus’s contribution to the sport. This Allée is easily accessible by metro lines 9 and 10. Charles Brennus, whose real name was Brennus Ambiorix Crosnier, was more than just the creator of the coveted rugby trophy. He was a master engraver, sculptor, and a prominent figure in French sports. He served as the president of the French Rugby Federation in 1921, solidifying his legacy in the sport. The Allée itself was constructed alongside the new Stade Jean-Bouin, although its naming came much later. In December 2015, the Paris Council decided to honor Brennus by naming this pathway after him. The official inauguration took place on May 7, 2016, three years after the stadium opened. The event was attended by Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo, Brennus’s family, and representatives of the SCUF (Sporting Club Universitaire de France), the rugby club Brennus founded. Allée Charles Brennus stands as a reminder of his profound impact on French rugby. So next time you’re near Stade Jean-Bouin, take a stroll down Allée Charles Brennus. It’s more than just a walkway; it’s a walk through the history of French rugby.