Perched on 20 hectares the Centre national du Rugby stands ready. It is more than just grounds. This is the heart of French rugby. Imagine the echoes of roaring crowds. Picture the dedication etched on every player’s face.
The Centre national du Rugby CNR is in Linas and Marcoussis. This location in Essonne has been its home since 2002. It is also known as the Centre national de rugby de Linas-Marcoussis. You may also hear it called Centre national de rugby de Bellejame.
The French Rugby Federation owns this impressive facility. It features three natural grass pitches. Two synthetic fields exist. One of these is covered. A hybrid pitch completes the set. Here, the French national teams train. The Federation’s headquarters are also here.
The Centre national du Rugby is sometimes called Marcatraz. Journalists gave it this nickname. It references Alcatraz. That is the famous prison off San Francisco. This moniker reflects the players’ total isolation. They are cut off during preparation for international matches.
Important events have marked the Centre national du Rugby’s history. In 2004, the Linas-Marcoussis agreements were signed here. They aimed to bring peace to war-torn Côté d’Ivoire. In 2014, the main stadium hosted pool matches. It also hosted ranking matches for the Women’s Rugby World Cup. During Euro 2016, the Centre national du Rugby hosted the Portugal team. Cristiano Ronaldo led them to victory.
In 2023, the Centre national du Rugby CNR was renamed. It became the Centre National de Rugby Bernard Lapasset. This honored Bernard Lapasset. He was president of the FFR from 1991 to 2008.
The Centre national du Rugby also houses the Pôle France. This is a permanent training center. The Ministry of Sports and the French Rugby Federation run it. They collaborate with the Ministry of National Education. Many players of the XV de France have passed through the Pôle France. Mathieu Bastareaud and Lionel Beauxis are among them.
Besides training facilities the Centre national du Rugby offers much more. Companies and sports clubs can use its sport facilities. They can also use its leisure facilities. The Centre national du Rugby promotes rugby values. These are solidarity, team effort and competitive spirit. It is ideally located. It is in the heart of nature and less than an hour from Paris. The Centre national du Rugby has comfortable facilities. It also has a friendly atmosphere.
The Centre national du Rugby includes a 230-seat auditorium. It also has fifteen meeting rooms. There are over 150 modern rooms. You can sleep in the same spaces as the XV de France players. There is a swimming pool with hot tub, hammam and sauna. A gym is also available.
The team at the Centre national du Rugby can advise you. They will meet your needs. You can enjoy a rugby initiation or a team-building activity. You can end the day at “Chez Domi”. That is the bar at the heart of the Centre national du Rugby.
As you leave the Centre national du Rugby remember the passion. Remember the dedication and the history made here. This is where legends are forged. It is a testament to the enduring spirit of French rugby.