From Judo to Scrum: clarisse Clainholphe’s Rise in Elite French Rugby
Clarisse Clainholphe, a former judoka, has transitioned to become a prominent pillar for Lyon Olympique Université (LOU) in the top tier of French women’s rugby.
Early Judo Career influenced by her Father
Growing up, Clarisse’s initial sporting endeavors were in judo, heavily influenced by her father, Fabien, a judo coach at PUNCH Nancy. However, her path took an unexpected turn during her time in middle school.
Revelation of Rugby at School
An EPS (Physical and Sports Education) coach introduced her to rugby, leading her to abandon her previous sporting path.
Starting at COS Villers
Clainholphe began her rugby journey at the age of 12 with COS villers, marking the start of her ascent in the sport.
**Beyond athletic skills, how might Clarisse’s experience as a judoka, especially regarding discipline and mental toughness, have contributed to her success in transitioning to rugby?**
From Judo to Scrum: Clarisse Clainholphe’s Rise in Elite French Rugby
Clarisse Clainholphe, a former judoka, has transitioned to become a prominent pillar for Lyon Olympique Université (LOU) in the top tier of French women’s rugby.
Early Judo Career influenced by her Father
Growing up, Clarisse’s initial sporting endeavors were in judo, heavily influenced by her father, Fabien, a judo coach at PUNCH Nancy. However, her path took an unexpected turn during her time in middle school.
Revelation of Rugby at School
An EPS (Physical and Sports Education) coach introduced her to rugby, leading her to abandon her previous sporting path.
Starting at COS Villers
Clainholphe began her rugby journey at the age of 12 with COS villers, marking the start of her ascent in the sport.
Q&A: Unpacking Clarisse Clainholphe’s Rugby Journey
Q: What is Lyon Olympique Université (LOU)?
A: LOU, or Lyon Olympique Universitaire, is a professional rugby club based in Lyon, France. They compete in the top tier of French women’s rugby, known for their high level of competition and skilled players.
Q: How did her Judo background help her in rugby?
A: While not directly stated, a background in Judo likely provided Clarisse with a strong foundation in athleticism, discipline, grappling techniques, and an understanding of body positioning, all of which are beneficial in rugby, particularly in tackling and rucking. Judo also instills mental toughness.
Q: What is the role of an EPS coach?
A: An EPS coach (Professeur d’Éducation Physique et Sportive) in France is a Physical Education teacher. They are responsible for introducing students to various sports and promoting physical activity within schools.
Q: What key skills does rugby require that might have differed from Judo?
A: Rugby heavily emphasizes teamwork,strategic thinking,and endurance,which are less focused on in Judo.However, the ability to handle physical contact, quick decision-making, and adapting to changing situations are skills shared by both sports.
Q: What opportunities are there for young girls who want to play rugby in France?
A: France has a growing network of youth rugby clubs and school programs. Local clubs like COS Villers offer a welcoming surroundings for young players. Participating in school sports programs is also a great starting point. Consider contacting the Fédération Française de Rugby (FFR) for more resources.
Clarisse Clainholphe’s story showcases the power of embracing new opportunities and adapting skills from one sport to another. It’s a testament to her dedication and the diverse pathways available in sports. Who knows, maybe you’ll be the next rugby star to come from an unexpected background?
