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Conor Trainor could not have asked for a better start to his professional career in France. The Canadian centre enjoyed a memorable debut for Vannes against Montauban on Friday, scything through the defense to score his first professional try in the 33rd minute. Despite trailing 17-13 at the half, Vannes came through in the end with a 23-20 victory at the Stade de la Rabine.
The win was a first not only for Trainor but for the club. Vannes was formed in 1950 but this is its first ever season as a fully professional outfit, achieving promotion to the Pro D2 from Fédérale 1 in May. It is the also the highest division reached by a club from the Brittany region of France in the professional era.
While Montauban finished 12th in the division last season, they have a rich history and have competed at the top levels of French domestic rugby since the 1960s. They spent three seasons in the Top 14 before being relegated because of financial difficulties. Given this context it is indeed a wonderful achievement for Vannes to find victory against such an estabished club in their first ever match in the Pro D2.
Highlights can be seen here.
