Rugby vs. the World: Rugby shoots at Handball in France

The final installment of the DHL Rugby vs the World Challenge sees two sporting heavyweights battle it out in Rugby vs. Handball. With the final Rugby Vs. the World crown up for grabs, both athletes bring their 'A' game in search of the win. 

VIDEO: Watch the Rugby vs. Handball highlights here!

With Rugby World Cup 2015 in England only a few months away, the Trophy Tour made its 15th and final stop just over the English Channel in France. There the sport of Rugby challenged a French favorite: Handball. It’s the end of a light-hearted and unique experience that travelled the globe and was delivered in association with DHL to help build excitement for this year’s largest international sporting event.

Our Rugby ambassador, former France flanker and two-time Rugby World Cup Semi-Finalist Serge Betsen was on hand to face legendary France handball captain, two-time World Champion and former World Handball Player of the Year Jackson Richardson. It was truly a battle of two legends of the French sporting world.

“To be with Jackson, one of the greatest handball player in France is just amazing,” said Serge before the challenge began.

“I don’t think, I am sure I’m going to win.” (Jackson Richardson).

Yes, the comradery among athletes was in the air and having fun was the name of the game, but our two ambassadors couldn’t suppress their competitive spirit, even if delivered with a smile.

“I don’t think, I am sure I’m going to win,” said Jackson. 

Serge was more prophetic: “I believe Rugby is one of the best sports in the world, and I will show that today.”

Handball Challenge
Jackson, the most capped Frenchmen of all time with over 400 caps, had the advantage in Challenge 1, which was a test of handball shooting accuracy. Each ambassador took shots at the goal while his opponent played goalkeeper. Both were allowed to attack from different angles and the most goals after 7 shots wins. 

In this case experience proved paramount as Jackson scored 5 to Serge’s 2. 

The speed surprised Serge a bit. “I was impressed by the speed of the ball,” he said.

“I believe Rugby is one of the best sports in the world, and I will show that today.” (Serge Betsen)

Rugby Challenge
From the gym our two ambassadors headed out to the Rugby pitch to test their strength in the scrum. Each took turns pushing a scrum machine from the dead ball line to the goal line, with the fastest time winning. 

Here Jackson showed that handballers have strength and speed, too, losing to Serge by only 26 hundredths of a second!

Pétanque Challenge
Neither athlete had the upper hand in the third and final challenge –Pétanque, which is a form of boules, where the goal is to throw hollow metal balls as close as possible to a small wooden ball.

“Pétanque is not my expertise,” admitted Serge before the challenge. And that held true as Jackson outthrew his opponent 5 to 2, winning the third challenge and taking the overall win.

As has been the case throughout this year-long, global Rugby vs. The World Challenge, the real goal has been to shine the spotlight on the sport of Rugby in the run-up to Rugby World Cup 2015 and highlight popular sports around the world. DHL has supported the tour as the Official Logistics Partner to Rugby World Cup 2015.

“For me the victory is not really important. For me it’s really important to experience this challenge with Serge and DHL,” said our challenge winner after all was said and done.

“I have to say it was great to be a part of this great experience,” added Serge.

GALLERY: Don’t forget to click through the photo gallery above.

Rugby wins the global challenge
Thought handball added another point to The World’s side, Rugby won the overall challenge after events in 15 countries. The final score was 9 to 6.

Follow us on Twitter @DHL_Rugby (#anythingispossible) or facebook.com/DHLRugby and catch up on all the Rugby vs. The World action on YouTube!

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