European Rugby Champions Cup tie between Sale & Toulouse delayed after parachutist caught on stadium roof
The start of a match in a premier European rugby competition had to be delayed after a parachutist delivering the match ball got caught on the stadium’s roof.
The round of 16 tie between Sale and Stade Toulousain at Stadium de Toulouse was delayed by 40 minutes as officials worked to free Captain Yannick Trouillet while he dangled from the roof.
Fans situated beneath the incident were promptly moved to make way for the padding from the goal posts as a makeshift safety mat.
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An inflatable rugby pitch meant for children was also brought inside the stadium to provide further cushioning.
An unharmed Trouillet was eventually freed by firemen in a cherry picker to the rousing applause from the crowd.
The rescue took about 25 minutes, and players were eventually allowed onto the pitch to warm up again not long after.
Reigning champions Toulouse went on to win the match and secured their place in the semi-finals with a 38-15 victory.
Dominic McKay, chairman of tournament organisers European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR), thanked everyone involved in Trouillet’s rescue.
“We would like to extend our sincere thanks to all involved at the stadium, both clubs and the emergency services, for safely returning the parachutist to the ground,” he said.
“The safety of the individual and of spectators in the stadium is of the utmost priority.
“We will pick up with Stade Toulousain and the stadium in due course.”
Originally published on PerthNow
