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Aurélie Groizeleau toujours guidée par la passion
Le 8 mars dernier, on célébrait la journée internationale des femmes. Pendant que des millions de personnes à travers le monde marquait l’événement, Aurélie Groizeleau passait un jour semblable à une autre au boulot, en supervisant le match de Pro D2 entre Colomiers et Mont-de-Marsan.
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L’arbitre française a fait son petit bonhomme de chemin dans le rugby. Elle est la première femme, et pour l’instant la seule, à officier au niveau professionnel en France, et compte bien écrire l’histoire en en faisant de même au niveau supérieur, en Top 14.
La jeune femme, née il y a 35 ans à La Rochelle, a été retenue dans le pool d’arbitres sur le Tournoi des Six Nations féminin 2024. Pionnière dans son domaine, elle se réjouit d’être prise en exemple par d’autres femmes dans le monde du sport.
« Je suis la première femme à avoir signé un contrat professionnel avec la fédération française de rugby (FFR), et à avoir officié en tant qu’arbitre central en Coupe du Monde », rappelle-t-elle.
« Petit à petit, on sent que les choses avancent, que la position des femmes évolue. En prenant l’exemple de Stéphanie Frappart dans le football, qui officie en Ligue 1 et est considérée comme une des meilleures arbitres au monde, on se rend compte que le sport, du moins aujourd’hui, ouvre des portes.
« Je me dis que moi aussi, peut-être, je suis en train de briser les barrières et pour celles qui viendront après, ce sera plus facile de se faire une place dans l’arbitrage.
Aurélie Groizeleau est devenue arbitre en 2009, à la suite d’une blessure qui a mis un terme à sa carrière de joueuse à même pas 20 ans. Elle en est à sa 3e saison de Pro D2 après avoir gravi les échelons un à un. Sous le regard bienveillant de tous.
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« J’ai reçu le soutien de beaucoup de mes collègues, et ils me soutiennent encore aujourd’hui, apprécie-t-elle. Il y aura toujours des jaloux, des gens qui critiquent parce qu’ils estiment que j’en suis là uniquement parce que je suis une femme.
« En France, ce n’est pas le critère principal. Il s’agit avant tout d’être performante sur le terrain ; je pense que c’est ce qui m’a aidé à atteindre la Pro D2. On ne peut pas arbitrer au niveau professionnel pour la seule raison d’être une femme. »
Sa collègue et amie Hollie Davidson s’est retrouvée sous les projecteurs cette année, en devenant la première femme à officier en tant que juge de touche durant un match du Tournoi des Six Nations masculin. Mais la Française, si elle avoue être admirative de l’Écossaise, trouve l’inspiration ailleurs.
« Pour moi, c’est Joy Neville la véritable pionnière de l’arbitrage féminin. Ce que réalise Hollie est fantastique, parce qu’il ne faut pas oublier que se retrouver la seule femme au milieu d’un groupe d’hommes, ce n’est ni simple ni facile. »
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Puis la conversation a naturellement dévié vers ses propres ambitions, avec notamment le Top 14 en ligne de mire. Il semble qu’il lui reste du travail afin d’y arbitrer en N.1, bien qu’elle ait déjà officié en tant qu’assistante.
« Aujourd’hui, il faut vraiment dominer la Pro D2 pour se sentir à l’aise à l’étage au-dessus. Je pense que j’ai encore beaucoup de choses à apprendre qui me permettront, un jour, d’être à la hauteur. »
Pour le moment, le Six-Nations féminin occupe tout son esprit. Aurélie Groizeleau était sur le terrain lors du premier week-end du Tournoi, à Parme, lors de la réception par l’Italie de l’Angleterre, tenante du titre et grande favorite à sa succession.
« La dimension physique est capitale, avec plusieurs séances par semaine », dévoile-t-elle au moment d’aborder sa préparation. « Je travaille également avec un coach mental, car diriger des matchs en anglais, ça consomme beaucoup d’énergie mentale. Il faut que je sois prête à ça sans que cela n’ajoute de fatigue supplémentaire. »
Ces dernières années, le public s’est rendu toujours plus nombreux dans les stades des Six Nations. Il faut s’en réjouir, mais malheureusement cela expose aussi davantage les équipes arbitrales du tournoi au harcèlement, tant sur le terrain qu’en dehors.
« Cela m’est arrivé », reconnait celle qui est aussi agricultrice. « En fin de compte, cela vient surtout du public, très peu des joueurs ou du staff. »
« On a l’impression que le public vient au bord du terrain pour se défouler et se libérer des tensions de la semaine de travail. C’est peut-être vrai, mais en même temps, ils se permettent certaines libertés dans leurs propos, et c’est parfois dur à entendre. »
Aurélie Groizeleau reconnaît que de gros efforts ont été déployés pour éradiquer les attaques visant les arbitres : « Nous avons vu beaucoup de clubs diffuser des communiqués de presse sur les réseaux sociaux, demandant à leurs supporters d’être beaucoup plus respectueux envers les arbitres et les clubs adverses. Car, il ne faut pas se le cacher, c’est une notion forte qui a toujours existé dans le rugby. C’est dommage qu’on arrive aujourd’hui à des excès jamais vus auparavant. »
« Certains disent que c’est l’évolution de la société. C’est dur à comprendre, je trouve. Pour moi, il s’agit simplement d’une question de respect. On ne tolère plus la moindre erreur et même les fans peuvent être très durs avec leurs joueurs. Il faut garder en tête que l’arbitre est humain. Nous ne sommes pas infaillibles, nous cherchons à limiter les erreurs au maximum, mais il nous arrive d’en faire malgré tout. »
Des comportements à mettre en relation avec les quelque 200 arbitres manquants dans le rugby hexagonal, selon les derniers chiffres. L’ancienne internationale à XV et à VII considère que les clubs jouent un rôle vital pour encourager les vocations d’arbitre. « Il faut plus de monde dans l’arbitrage, c’est vrai. Nous devons être plus proches des clubs et du jeu. En d’autres mots, il faut cesser de couper l’arbitre du terrain. »
La passion la motive plus que tout. Et elle est extrêmement fière de tout ce qu’elle a déjà accompli.
« Je voulais faire carrière en tant que joueuse, mais ça n’a pas pu se faire. J’ai fini par faire une carrière dans l’arbitrage, ce qui me permet de vivre des choses incroyables, de voyager de par le monde, de rencontrer beaucoup de gens. Nous sommes très peu à pouvoir vivre de notre passion, donc ce n’est pas rien », estime-t-elle.
« Je me dis que je ne suis pas au bout du chemin, que j’ai encore plein de super expériences à vivre et à partager.
Ce qui compte pour moi, c’est qu’au-delà de mon projet personnel, j’ai aussi un projet familial. Je ressens le soutien de mon compagnon, de ma fille, qui partagent la même passion que moi, et c’est indispensable pour moi. »
Assistante sur le match Angleterre – pays de Galles le week-end dernier, Aurélie Groizeleau reprendra le sifflet le 20 avril, à Twickenham pour Angleterre – Irlande pour l’avant-dernière journée du Tournoi.
Womens Six Nations
P
W
L
D
PF
PA
PD
BP T
BP-7
BP
Total
1
England Women's
2
2
0
0
10
2
France Women's
2
2
0
0
9
3
Italy Women's
2
1
1
0
5
4
Scotland Women's
2
1
1
0
4
5
Ireland Women's
2
0
2
0
1
6
Wales Women's
2
0
2
0
1
Comments on RugbyPass
Fox News, Tucker Carlson, Jordan Peterson and Joe Rogan? Yikes.
1 Go to commentsThat is harsh though. Messi has/had a reputation for trying to keep his feet and keep dribbling for goal. Many of his brethren were the histrionic divers but not him.
2 Go to commentsMcReight is certainly one of the first picked. He’s going to be the glue, a Wallaby with some rugby IQ and the everywhere man for the Wallabies.
5 Go to commentsSophie De Goede is one of the best players we’ve ever produced. Kicked all the points, 2 try assists, line out takes, carries, tackles, charge downs… what a player
1 Go to commentsThe guy had just beasted himself in a scrum and the blood hadn't yet returned to his head when he was pushed into a team mate. He took his weight off his left foot precisely at the moment he was shoved and dropped to the floor when seemingly trying to avoid stepping on Hyron Andrews’ foot. I don't think he was trying to milk a penalty, I think he was knackered but still switched on enough to avoid planting 120kgs on the dorsum of his second row’s foot. To effectively “police” such incidents with a (noble) view to eradicating play acting in rugby, yet more video would need to be reviewed in real time, which is not in the interest of the game as a sporting spectacle. I would far rather see Farrell penalised for interfering with the refereeing of the game. Perhaps he was right to be frustrated, he was much closer to the action than the only camera angle I've seen, however his vocal objection to Rodd’s falling over doesn't legitimately fall into the captain's role as the mouthpiece of his team - he should have kept his frustration to himself, that's one of the pillars of rugby union. I appreciate that he was within his rights to communicate with the referee as captain but he didn't do this, he moaned and attempted to sway the decision by directing his complaint to the player rather than the ref. Rugby needs to look closely at the message it wants to send to young players and amateur grassroots rugby. The best way to do this would be to apply the laws as they are written and edit them where the written laws no longer apply. If this means deleting laws such as ‘the put in to the scrum must be straight”, so be it. Likewise, if it is no longer necessary to respect the referee’s decision without questioning it or pre-emptively attempting to sway it (including by diving or by shouting and gesticulating) then this behaviour should be embraced (and commercialised). Otherwise any reference to respecting the referee should be deleted from the laws. You have to start somewhere to maintain the values of rugby and the best place to start would be giving a penalty and a warning against the offending player, followed by a yellow card the next time. People like Farrell would rapidly learn to keep quiet and let their skills do the talking.
1 Go to commentsThe name “Kwagga” came to mind while I was reading this. And there’s another Sevens convert roaming the wide open kant at the Lions now - JC Pretorius. Keep an eye on him.
5 Go to comments2024 Rugby Championship: Sat, 10 Aug 2024 – Sat, 28 Sept 2024. Looking forward to watching the All Blacks coached by Scott Robertson, with or without the ‘dynamic’ qualities of Shannon Michael Frizell - see his display against South Africa at Go Media Mount Smart Stadium on July 15.
1 Go to commentsI agree about 8 being too many The English premiership has top four only Top 14 has six URC has 8 I think 6 would be fine It gives those other two teams an incentive But rewarding a team in perhaps 8th with three wins is atrocious If they get in they know they only need one big game
7 Go to commentsInteresting article. I think the answer lies in a comment Kwagga Smith made during the World Cup. Asked whether it bothers him that the Bok team doesn’t get more credit he said: “We don’t play for people to respect us: we play for each other and we play for South Africa.” The Springbok team is a brotherhood - an incredibly tight unit, most of whom are good friends off the pitch as well. Not only do they not want to let South Africa down, but they fight like crazy not to let their teammates down. Not saying they don’t care about their club teammates, but I think the bond shared in the Boks is just much, much deeper. Tough to forge the same sort of bond at a club over a handful of years. That must translate into superior performances for country over club.
33 Go to commentsThere is very little creativity in the 9-10 axis for SA. 10 needs to be solid, put the work in and kick the points. the SA counter is almost always via the edge or a kick through for a winger. When was the last offensive backline score from SA against a top team? Perhaps the ultra physical nature of the SA teams means players they get to hit more stats in those games. Maybe the SA pleyers are perfectly suited to the SA system. In other Words they are not club players gathered to play SA Internationals. They are SA International players adapting to play club.
33 Go to commentsJust what you want your prop doing 😂
2 Go to commentsEveryone needs to have a bit of ball player in them Nick and second phase but forwards and backs are still different coz of where you stick your head most of the time. Pocock and tizzano were 12s right up to the edge of seniors. Pocock was 12 to quades 10 then pocock was at the force At 17 year’s old or so. Hamish Stewart was apparently was a junior 7. Don’t know when he switched but apparently he was crons 10 in the Oz 20s. A mistake too often made is playing a guy like taquele nairavuro at wing instead of as a power 8. On rugby tours we often had a spare 7 playing crash 12 coz the regular 12 stayed home. Often had a spare 7 playing on a wing too.
5 Go to commentsyikes - what a load of crap Gallan. Interesting until after your 1st paragraph, but then again not worth anyone’s time responding to such pointless analysis and of course your dumbass opinions.
33 Go to commentsOutside of their national camp, club teams seem to take a tighter stance on doping. Think that explains it really.
33 Go to commentsThanks Nick Ive always thought that there should be a few more innovative attempts at players moving from backs to forwards and vice versa. Samu was one, as was Jim Williams last century. Cole certainly could run like a back, as can Lonergan from the Brumbies. I think that it’s going to become hard again for hookers though as front rowers seem to be getting bigger and bigger, and the guys have to look after their spines as well as (in Australia) their achilles! I always thought that Folau should have been tried in the lineout…. I think the same for Vunavalu…if he lasts any longer. Movement between positions is much more common in League, mainly because the size requirements between backs and forwards are not as pronounced. Hookers and halfbacks interchanging and second rowers and centres as well. The great Cameron Smith was effectively a hybrid hooker/halfback, being able to play both positions…sometimes it seemed simultaneously! For now, it seems like McReith and before him Hooper are the standouts, though Cale could be anything. John Eals did a few “back” type things mind you, including running and kicking. As for Jones, I don't credit him as anything (in an Australian context) other than a speaker of a million throw away lines, with the occasional one being picked up! Sorry
5 Go to commentsHe's Big in Japan
2 Go to comments“England are set to lose some of their best ever players at the end of the season with the mass departure to France”… Really? Best ever? What a joke of an opening line. The england players leaving for France are… Sinckler, Ludlum, Tuilagi… that’s the list of players England are losing at the end of this season to France. All 3 are fringe players at best these days. Manu is the only one you could fathom debating being one of “their best ever players” and even that debate would be shut down pretty quickly. Pathetic excuse for journalism this. Not grounded in reality.
3 Go to commentsYep. The insanity of the decision of trying to outspend RL for outside backs just looks more and more stupid as time goes on and talented players either bully us into paying overs to keep them (Jorgensen) or simply leave as Uncle Nick comes calling (Nawaqanitawase).
20 Go to commentsInteresting that you pick Amatosero, John. I would agree with your choice. He could well be capped this year at some point. At only 21 years of age, he has a lot of experience at a high level from his time at Clermont. I’m surprised he did not remain there for longer, as last year he was really starting to move, with 14 games, six starts, well up from the previous year, 7 games, only 2 starts. Have liked what is doing with the Waratahs this year. Not an easy situation for any player there, with the poor results.
3 Go to commentsNed me old shinwah, it’s probably not a bad idea to learn how to spell the last names of great All Blacks wingers. (Otherwise we will demean our memories of Grant Bitty, Jonah Lima, Joe Rococo and Doug Howler.)
4 Go to comments