As he happily left the Stade de France, where he witnessed the success (27-13) of the Blues against the All Blacks on Friday evening as they entered the Rugby World Cup, Abdelatif Benazzi learned that Morocco, his country of origin, was hit during the night from Friday to Saturday by a violent earthquake. The former captain of the Blues, now vice-president of the French Rugby Federation, international delegate, decided to go there as quickly as possible to provide his support.
How were you informed of the tragedy?
ABDELatif BENAZZI. I learned it when I left the Stade de France last night. My brother, who is there, called me. It’s terrible. It just goes to show that in life we quickly go from joy to drama.
Have you lost loved ones?
My family is from Oujda, in the North-East. This region has been rather preserved. But I know very well the places that have been hit hard. When I was training in Morocco, I went running in the Atlas, I did my hikes there and I went through villages that were hit. My friend is a guide who lost his family.
How do you anticipate the next few hours?
I want to be present, we must show solidarity and also see how French rugby can help. Human and material damage must be noted. Morocco has already been hit by major earthquakes. In 2004 in the North (Al Hoceïma) and especially in 1960 in Agadir (12,000 deaths on the west coast of the country). Life can change very quickly.
