Paris Cockerels
Encyclopedia
The Paris Cockerels are the oldest French Australian football club still in activity. Created by a community of Australians living in Paris, it is composed from 50/50 French and Australian players. They were the responsible for the organisation of the first 'Coupe de France' of Australian football, on June 28, 2008.
There would be a long wait before the Cockerels would be able to return in 2004 to the European footy scene. That year would see two confrontations organised against the Brussels Saints, the first one taking place in Brussels and the second one in château de Thoyri.
The summer of 2005 saw the arrival of the first French players for the Cockerels. They did not have to wait long to take part in their first match, as on September 5, 2005, a very young team from Strasbourg arrived in Paris for their first match. Once again, thanks to the experience of the Australian players, the Parisians were able to win the match easily (75 to 37). From this match two players were selected to travel to London to represent France for the first European Cup in October 2005. Some month after this event, the club was officially formed, under the name of the Paris Cockerels and chaired by Frenchman, Olivier Tresca.
After 2005 the Parisian club ran into somewhat of a bad patch. The majority of the Australians left France, and there was not a lot of time and effort invested into the club. Very few new players were recruited, and only two or three players were turning up to the trainings. In fact French footy in general was in a difficult period, with problems of recruitment and a series of heavy defeats at the German championship for the club of Strasbourg. Despite everything the club resisted and waited for better days. At the same time, the club tried to organise the 2006 edition of the European Championship of Australian football, but due to many unforeseen force the organisers were forced to cancel the event.
(in October) and the Montpellier Fire Sharks
a few months later. In spring the club sees a wave of recruitment and for the first time in the clubs history they play in their official colours.
After many unfruitful attempts, the Parisian are finally able to play a match and it is on this occasion the Strasbourg Kangaroos were able to take their revenge. On May 31, 2008, the Parisian set out for Strasbourg in spite of the absence of some of their key players. The Alsatian are able to inflict a severe defeat to the Parisians with 94-45 in a match that was eventually stopped by a violent storm.
With the creation of Bordeaux and Montpellier, the leaders of the French Australian Football decided to organise the first Coupe de France of Australian football, it would be held in Paris on June 28, 2008.
This time the Parisian manpower is at full force and all the players eager to gain the title. All the forces of Australian Footy in France made the effort to be there for this historic day. In addition to the tournament, the organisers had arranged the demonstrations of the boomerang
and the sales of Vegemite
.
In spite of a hard ground, and the multiple injuries (especially among the Parisians) the Cockerels are able to down their rivals of Strasbourg, the score 57-28. This day marks the great return of the Parisians to a higher level of footy in France, and also predicts large things for the future of the game not only in Paris but also in France.
Following on from this victory, the Parisians are ready to receive the Dutchmen for the first match between the teams of Paris and Amsterdam. Deprived of many of their players through injury and also out played technically, the Parisians go down to a painful score of 56-143.
Popular captain Sebastian Sabogal led the Cockerels into 2009, and after a hard pre-season under Coach Graham Andrews they played their first match for 2009, a friendly, against the North London Lions
at home. It was the first time the Cockerels had hosted an 18 per side match and Paris turned on a beautiful day at the Bois de Vincennes.
After a hard fought encounter which saw the Cockerels leading with 10 minutes to play, North London eventually proved too good. The final score was Lions 8.18.66, Paris 6.6.42.
On Sunday May 29 the Cockerels assembled in Montpellier to play their opening match for the 2009 French cup, against the Montpellier Firesharks. The match was a good contest played in good spirits, and was Palli Finnssons first match as captain in the absence of Sabogal. The Cockerels were full of confidence after their good from against North London, and took that form into the 9 player form of the game, establishing a 7 goal lead by quarter time. Despite some rough play from the firesharks, Paris were unfazed and ran away with a 22.13.145 to 11.8.74 victory.
There was one more friendly before the season continued, this time against the Flying Dutchmen in Amsterdam. After many of the Cockerels players apparently stayed out until 6am in Amsterdam the night before the match, they lost the toss and kicked into a stiff breeze in the opening term. Consequently Amsterdam kicked the first seven goals, and were never troubled, eventually winning 15.16.106 to 8.9.57. The match would ultimately be Sabogal's swan song, and the team celebrated hard into the following Saturday night.
After an easy victory against the Bordeaux Bombers
in Paris, the Cockerels travelled to Strasbourg for what was effectively a playoff for the championship with both teams standing undefeated.
In a slightly controversial result, Joey Maclean (playing in his one and only French Championship match) kicked 9 goals as the Cockerels rallied from a half time deficit to eventually win 103 - 61 and secure the first ever French Championship. The Cockerels also took out the French cup in Bordeaux for the domestic Quinella, and the side now looked to be going forward under their new captain Palli Finnsson.
in France was organised, putting the Australian Rules football team (Cockerels) against the Gaelic football (Gaels). The Gaels quickly dominated the meeting thanks to a team that was well experience and accustomed to play together. In spite of a heavy defeat, the Cockerels showed that they could compete with one of the best European teams of Gaelic football
, with the Gaels having won the Gaelic Football European Championship four times.
At the end of this meeting, the leaders of the two clubs decided to organize the first International Rules competition in France, the International Paris Rules Cup (PIRC). This competition is the first of its kind in continental Europe. It is held every year from November to March, and there is a meeting every month. The team that wins the most matches at the end of the five months of competitions is declared the champion.
Such a competition allows the Cockerels a superb opportunity to accumulate match time. Furthermore, the Gaels have such a level of play that is equivalent to the best European teams of Australian football, thus ensuring the Cockerels a constant high level of training and competition.
Classement :
Champion Paris Cockerels
Runner-up Strasbourg Kangaroos
Joint 3rd place Bordeaux Bombers
, Montpellier Fire Sharks
Origins
The club was founded in 1998 with the help of James Blanchard of the embassy of Australia in Paris, who at the time was responsible for sports at the embassy. The club at this time was only made up from expatriate Australians living in France. It was also at this time that the first 100% French team was created, the Tasmania Montivilliers, in Normandie. The two teams thus benefited from the organisation of the first Australian football game on the French territory since the First World War. The score has since been forgotten, but it is more than probable that the Parisian club won due to the experience of their Australian players. Unfortunately this encounter will never be repeated as the Normands would fold the following year.There would be a long wait before the Cockerels would be able to return in 2004 to the European footy scene. That year would see two confrontations organised against the Brussels Saints, the first one taking place in Brussels and the second one in château de Thoyri.
The summer of 2005 saw the arrival of the first French players for the Cockerels. They did not have to wait long to take part in their first match, as on September 5, 2005, a very young team from Strasbourg arrived in Paris for their first match. Once again, thanks to the experience of the Australian players, the Parisians were able to win the match easily (75 to 37). From this match two players were selected to travel to London to represent France for the first European Cup in October 2005. Some month after this event, the club was officially formed, under the name of the Paris Cockerels and chaired by Frenchman, Olivier Tresca.
The difficult years, 2006-2008
Rebirth of the club
In February 2008 the rebirth of the team begins with the arrival of Cyril Talon. His arrival corresponds to the revival of footy in France with the creation of the Bordeaux BombersBordeaux Bombers
The Bordeaux Bombers are an Australian Football club based in Bordeaux, France. It is the 6th club in France to play Australian Rules Football, after the Tasmania Montivilliers, Paris Cockerels, Strasbourg Kangaroos, Senlis Razorbacks and Saint-Estève Saints....
(in October) and the Montpellier Fire Sharks
Montpellier Fire Sharks
The Fire Sharks of Montpellier are a French Australian Rules Football club based in Montpellier. They're the 7th Australian football club in France, after the Tasmania Montivilliers, Paris Cockerels, Strasbourg Kangourous, Senlis Razorbacks, Saint-Estève Saints and the Bordeaux Bombers...
a few months later. In spring the club sees a wave of recruitment and for the first time in the clubs history they play in their official colours.
After many unfruitful attempts, the Parisian are finally able to play a match and it is on this occasion the Strasbourg Kangaroos were able to take their revenge. On May 31, 2008, the Parisian set out for Strasbourg in spite of the absence of some of their key players. The Alsatian are able to inflict a severe defeat to the Parisians with 94-45 in a match that was eventually stopped by a violent storm.
With the creation of Bordeaux and Montpellier, the leaders of the French Australian Football decided to organise the first Coupe de France of Australian football, it would be held in Paris on June 28, 2008.
This time the Parisian manpower is at full force and all the players eager to gain the title. All the forces of Australian Footy in France made the effort to be there for this historic day. In addition to the tournament, the organisers had arranged the demonstrations of the boomerang
Boomerang
A boomerang is a flying tool with a curved shape used as a weapon or for sport.-Description:A boomerang is usually thought of as a wooden device, although historically boomerang-like devices have also been made from bones. Modern boomerangs used for sport are often made from carbon fibre-reinforced...
and the sales of Vegemite
Vegemite
Vegemite is a dark brown Australian food paste made from yeast extract. It is a spread for sandwiches, toast, crumpets and cracker biscuits, and filling for pastries...
.
In spite of a hard ground, and the multiple injuries (especially among the Parisians) the Cockerels are able to down their rivals of Strasbourg, the score 57-28. This day marks the great return of the Parisians to a higher level of footy in France, and also predicts large things for the future of the game not only in Paris but also in France.
Following on from this victory, the Parisians are ready to receive the Dutchmen for the first match between the teams of Paris and Amsterdam. Deprived of many of their players through injury and also out played technically, the Parisians go down to a painful score of 56-143.
Glory in 2009
In 2009 the Paris Cockerels entered a new era of success, and looked to stamp themselves as the powerhouse of Australian Rules Football in France.Popular captain Sebastian Sabogal led the Cockerels into 2009, and after a hard pre-season under Coach Graham Andrews they played their first match for 2009, a friendly, against the North London Lions
North London Lions
The North London Lions are an Australian rules football club based in the northern suburbs of London, England.-History:The Lions were a foundation club of the British Australian Rules Football League, having played in every season since the league began in 1990...
at home. It was the first time the Cockerels had hosted an 18 per side match and Paris turned on a beautiful day at the Bois de Vincennes.
After a hard fought encounter which saw the Cockerels leading with 10 minutes to play, North London eventually proved too good. The final score was Lions 8.18.66, Paris 6.6.42.
On Sunday May 29 the Cockerels assembled in Montpellier to play their opening match for the 2009 French cup, against the Montpellier Firesharks. The match was a good contest played in good spirits, and was Palli Finnssons first match as captain in the absence of Sabogal. The Cockerels were full of confidence after their good from against North London, and took that form into the 9 player form of the game, establishing a 7 goal lead by quarter time. Despite some rough play from the firesharks, Paris were unfazed and ran away with a 22.13.145 to 11.8.74 victory.
There was one more friendly before the season continued, this time against the Flying Dutchmen in Amsterdam. After many of the Cockerels players apparently stayed out until 6am in Amsterdam the night before the match, they lost the toss and kicked into a stiff breeze in the opening term. Consequently Amsterdam kicked the first seven goals, and were never troubled, eventually winning 15.16.106 to 8.9.57. The match would ultimately be Sabogal's swan song, and the team celebrated hard into the following Saturday night.
After an easy victory against the Bordeaux Bombers
Bordeaux Bombers
The Bordeaux Bombers are an Australian Football club based in Bordeaux, France. It is the 6th club in France to play Australian Rules Football, after the Tasmania Montivilliers, Paris Cockerels, Strasbourg Kangaroos, Senlis Razorbacks and Saint-Estève Saints....
in Paris, the Cockerels travelled to Strasbourg for what was effectively a playoff for the championship with both teams standing undefeated.
In a slightly controversial result, Joey Maclean (playing in his one and only French Championship match) kicked 9 goals as the Cockerels rallied from a half time deficit to eventually win 103 - 61 and secure the first ever French Championship. The Cockerels also took out the French cup in Bordeaux for the domestic Quinella, and the side now looked to be going forward under their new captain Palli Finnsson.
International Paris Rules Cup
On November 24, 2008 the first match of International Rules FootballInternational rules football
International rules football is a team sport consisting of a hybrid of football codes, which was developed to facilitate international representative matches between Australian rules football players and Gaelic football players....
in France was organised, putting the Australian Rules football team (Cockerels) against the Gaelic football (Gaels). The Gaels quickly dominated the meeting thanks to a team that was well experience and accustomed to play together. In spite of a heavy defeat, the Cockerels showed that they could compete with one of the best European teams of Gaelic football
Gaelic football
Gaelic football , commonly referred to as "football" or "Gaelic", or "Gah" is a form of football played mainly in Ireland...
, with the Gaels having won the Gaelic Football European Championship four times.
At the end of this meeting, the leaders of the two clubs decided to organize the first International Rules competition in France, the International Paris Rules Cup (PIRC). This competition is the first of its kind in continental Europe. It is held every year from November to March, and there is a meeting every month. The team that wins the most matches at the end of the five months of competitions is declared the champion.
Such a competition allows the Cockerels a superb opportunity to accumulate match time. Furthermore, the Gaels have such a level of play that is equivalent to the best European teams of Australian football, thus ensuring the Cockerels a constant high level of training and competition.
1998-2009
| Club | G | B | S | Club | G | B | S | Date and place |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Paris Cockerels |
? | ? | ? | Tasmania Montivilliers |
? | ? | ? | around 1998, supposed Parisian victory |
 Brussels Saints |
? | ? | 78 | Paris Cockerels |
? | ? | 61 | 25 May 2004 in Bruxelles |
| Paris Cockerels |
? | ? | ? | Brussels Saints |
? | ? | ? | summer of 2004, Château de Thoyri, Belgian victory |
| Paris Cockerels |
? | ? | 75 | Strasbourg Kangaroos Strasbourg Kangaroos The Strasbourg Kangaroos are a French Australian Football Club based in the north of France in Strasbourg. They are touted as being the biggest Aussie Rules club in France and have appeared in the French Championship twice.... |
? | ? | 37 | 5 September 2005 in Paris |
| Strasbourg Kangaroos Strasbourg Kangaroos The Strasbourg Kangaroos are a French Australian Football Club based in the north of France in Strasbourg. They are touted as being the biggest Aussie Rules club in France and have appeared in the French Championship twice.... |
14 | 10 | 94 | Paris Cockerels |
6 | 9 | 45 | 31 May 2008 in Strasbourg |
| Paris Cockerels |
8 | 8 | 56 |  AmsterdamAmsterdam Amsterdam is the largest city and the capital of the Netherlands. The current position of Amsterdam as capital city of the Kingdom of the Netherlands is governed by the constitution of August 24, 1815 and its successors. Amsterdam has a population of 783,364 within city limits, an urban population... |
20 | 23 | 143 | 12 July 2008 in Paris |
| Paris Cockerels |
6 | 6 | 42 |  North London LionsNorth London Lions The North London Lions are an Australian rules football club based in the northern suburbs of London, England.-History:The Lions were a foundation club of the British Australian Rules Football League, having played in every season since the league began in 1990... |
8 | 18 | 66 | 21 March 2009 in Paris |
| Paris Cockerels |
? | ? | ? | Flying Dutchmen |
? | ? | ? | 4 April 2009 in Amsterdam |
| Paris Cockerels |
? | ? | ? | Flying Dutchmen |
? | ? | ? | 5 September 2009 in Paris |
- Legend : G : Number of goals, B : Number of behinds, S : Final Score
2008
The Parisians won the 2008 edition 2008 of the 'Coupe de France'.Classement :
Champion Paris Cockerels Runner-up Strasbourg KangaroosStrasbourg Kangaroos
The Strasbourg Kangaroos are a French Australian Football Club based in the north of France in Strasbourg. They are touted as being the biggest Aussie Rules club in France and have appeared in the French Championship twice....
Joint 3rd place Bordeaux BombersBordeaux Bombers
The Bordeaux Bombers are an Australian Football club based in Bordeaux, France. It is the 6th club in France to play Australian Rules Football, after the Tasmania Montivilliers, Paris Cockerels, Strasbourg Kangaroos, Senlis Razorbacks and Saint-Estève Saints....
, Montpellier Fire Sharks
Montpellier Fire Sharks
The Fire Sharks of Montpellier are a French Australian Rules Football club based in Montpellier. They're the 7th Australian football club in France, after the Tasmania Montivilliers, Paris Cockerels, Strasbourg Kangourous, Senlis Razorbacks, Saint-Estève Saints and the Bordeaux Bombers...
| Club | G | B | S | Club | G | B | S |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paris Cockerels |
10 | 10 | 70 | Montpellier Fire Sharks Montpellier Fire Sharks The Fire Sharks of Montpellier are a French Australian Rules Football club based in Montpellier. They're the 7th Australian football club in France, after the Tasmania Montivilliers, Paris Cockerels, Strasbourg Kangourous, Senlis Razorbacks, Saint-Estève Saints and the Bordeaux Bombers... |
1 | 2 | 8 |
| Paris Cockerels |
11 | 8 | 74 | Bordeaux Bombers Bordeaux Bombers The Bordeaux Bombers are an Australian Football club based in Bordeaux, France. It is the 6th club in France to play Australian Rules Football, after the Tasmania Montivilliers, Paris Cockerels, Strasbourg Kangaroos, Senlis Razorbacks and Saint-Estève Saints.... |
2 | 5 | 17 |
| Paris Cockerels |
8 | 11 | 59 | Strasbourg Kangaroos Strasbourg Kangaroos The Strasbourg Kangaroos are a French Australian Football Club based in the north of France in Strasbourg. They are touted as being the biggest Aussie Rules club in France and have appeared in the French Championship twice.... |
4 | 4 | 28 |
| Paris Cockerels |
8 | 9 | 57 | Strasbourg Kangaroos Strasbourg Kangaroos The Strasbourg Kangaroos are a French Australian Football Club based in the north of France in Strasbourg. They are touted as being the biggest Aussie Rules club in France and have appeared in the French Championship twice.... |
4 | 4 | 28 |
2008-2009
| Club | G | O | B | S | Club | G | O | B | S | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Paris Cockerels |
0 | 3 | 5 | 17 |  Paris Gaels |
3 | 13 | 2 | 84 | 24 November 2008 |
| Paris Cockerels |
? | ? | ? | 24 | Paris Gaels |
? | ? | ? | 70 | 15 December 2008 |
| Paris Cockerels |
2 | 8 | 11 | 47 | Paris Gaels |
3 | 15 | 20 | 83 | 26 January 2009 |
- Legend : G : Number of goals, O : Number of overs,B : Number of behinds, S : Final Score
Honour Board
- 2004 - 2008 :
Richard McKenzie - 2005 : Laurent Caravelle
- 2005 - 2008 : Olivier Tresca
- 2008 : Cyril Talon
- 2008 : Graham Andrews
- 2008 :
Palli Finnsson
Todays Players
- Since 2006 : Clément Charlet
- Since 2006 : David O'Hanlon
- Since 2008 : Cyril Talon
- Since 2008 : Denis Schneider
- Since 2008 : Jérôme Loubet
- Since 2008 : Andrew Senkans
- Since 2008 : Palli Finnsson
- Since 2008 : Bertrand Lejeune
- Since 2008 : François Daniel
- Since 2008 : Maxence Launais
- Since 2009 : Subajan Sivandran
- Since 2009 : Adam Sargon #44
- Since 2009 : Joel Booth
- Since 2009 : Dom Wenden
- Since 2009 : Sebastien Artus
- Since 2009 : Jean François Bouron
- Since 2009 : Ivan Price
- Since 2009 : Jacques Rossard
- Since 2009 : Kevin Taulera
- Since 2009 : Edouard Cameron
- Since 2009 : Dan Andrews
Previous Players
- 2004 - 2008 : Richard MC Kenzie
- 2006 - 2008 : Guillaume Lebrun
- 2008 - 2008 : Jules Lecerf
- 2008 - 2008 : Léo Filipetti
- 2008 - 2009 : Nicholas Andrews
- 2008 - 2009 : Cameron Woods
- 2008 - 2009 : Sam Dawkins
- 2008 - 2009 : Sebastian Sabogal
- 2008 - 2009 : Trent Broadway
- 2008 - 2009 : Cameron Miller
- 2008 - 2009 : Nicolas Campo
- 2009 - 2009 : Joey MacLean
- 2009 - 2009 : Shannon Birchall
- 2009 - 2009 : David Hislop
- 2009 - 2009 :
Mike Karas - 2009 - 2009 : Amaury Launais
- 2009 - 2009 :
Harold Courchay
Presidents
- 2005 - 2008 : Olivier Tresca
- 2008 - ... : Cyril Talon
Coach
- 2005 - 2008 : Olivier Tresca
- 2008 : Sebastian Sabogal
- Since 2008 : Graham Andrews
- Since 2009 : Palli Finnsson
External links
- The site of the Paris Cockerels
- Australian Rules FootballAustralian rules footballAustralian rules football, officially known as Australian football, also called football, Aussie rules or footy is a sport played between two teams of 22 players on either...
- Australian rules football in France
- Bordeaux BombersBordeaux BombersThe Bordeaux Bombers are an Australian Football club based in Bordeaux, France. It is the 6th club in France to play Australian Rules Football, after the Tasmania Montivilliers, Paris Cockerels, Strasbourg Kangaroos, Senlis Razorbacks and Saint-Estève Saints....