Monday 25 April 2016 14:42, UK
French amateur side Chamalieres have issued an apology after celebrating their Auvergne regional title by barbecuing the wooden trophy.
Chamalieres beat Cisternes 23-6 in the final on Saturday, which was also the club's 50th anniversary.
But photos soon emerged of their celebrations, in which the unfortunate trophy was burnt to a crisp.
Word spread like wildfire around the Auvergne rugby scene - and a local rugby committee official, Jean-Yves Dijol, posted on Facebook: "A little personal message to our 'friends' in Chamalieres...
"This piece of wood (represents) a history shared by all the rugby players of our region. (It) belongs to nobody, and especially not to those who do not respect the values of the oval ball.
"After the excellent regional finals, where hundreds of volunteers worked hard for you and so that rugby can grow, this hurts."
Chamalieres club president Michel Lafarge issued an apology.
"On Saturday, I felt for the third time the great joy of a regional title with my lifelong club," he wrote.
"This morning, my sadness is infinite and I do not know what the future of the club will be.
"In a matter of hours, these unthinkable actions plunged the club into total disarray, into a feeling of incredulity, incomprehension and shame.
"I am truly sorry for this situation and wish to present my apologies to all friends of Chamalieres rugby."
Lafarge also promised the club will pay for a new trophy.
