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2w ago

Parachutist Rescued After Pre-Match Stunt Goes Wrong at Toulouse Rugby Game

A French army parachutist became entangled in the Stadium de Toulouse roof, delaying the Champions Cup match by 40 minutes before being safely rescued.

The parachutist dangled above the stands until being rescued by the fire service.
TOULOUSE, FRANCE - APRIL 06: A parachutist, who became snagged on the roof of the stadium, as he was delivering the match ball prior to the Investec Champions Cup Round of 16 match between Stade Toulousain and Sale Sharks at Stadium de Toulouse on April 06, 2025 in Toulouse, France. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)
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A parachutist clinging from the stadium roof in Toulouse

Overview

  • Captain Yannick Trouillet, part of a pre-match ceremony, got his parachute stuck on the roof while attempting to deliver the match ball.
  • The incident left him suspended 15-30 meters above the ground for over 20 minutes as fans were evacuated from the seating area below.
  • Firefighters used a cherry picker to safely rescue Trouillet, while stadium staff created makeshift crash mats using tackle shields, post protectors, and a bouncy castle.
  • The Champions Cup match between Toulouse and Sale Sharks resumed after a 40-minute delay, with Toulouse winning 38-15 to advance to the quarterfinals.
  • The European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) thanked emergency services and stadium staff for their swift response and emphasized the importance of safety in such events.