Military parachutist dangling from roof delays French rugby match

Tangled in Toulouse is the story coming out of Sunday’s last-16 European Rugby Champions Cup match between Toulouse and Sale Sharks. The start of the match was delayed 40 minutes after a military parachutist got stuck on the roof.

The parachutist was hoping to deliver the match ball. He was one of three paratroopers scheduled to glide into the stadium and make landing on the field.

Drama here at Toulouse. Three military parachuters have landed on the pitch and one of them is caught on the roof. Looks like we may have a delayed kick-off. pic.twitter.com/aq6m3HtnD1

— Nik Simon (@Nik_Simon88) April 6, 2025

Seats in the vicinity of where the parachutist was stuck were cleared to allow rescue efforts to begin. According to Colin Millar of The Athletic, a fire engine entered the corner of the stadium. The cherry picker was raised to safely disentangle the parachutist and bring him to safety. An inflatable mat was set up below to ensure a safe landing.

The crowd cheered as the parachutist was brought to safety and both teams re-emerged for an additional warm-up before kickoff. The match started at 4:40 p.m. local time, 40 minutes after its scheduled start.

Toulouse rugby team down Sale Sharks

Toulouse went on to secure their place in the quarterfinals with a 38-15 victory. Tries from Francois Cros, Julien Marchand, Ange Capuozzo and Guillaume Cramont helped Toulouse to the dominant win.

“They are all heart this group,” Sale director of rugby Alex Sanderson said of his group’s effort. “I’ve had two lads come up and apologize and I said I’m not having it lads. There is nothing to apologize about, they gave it all tactically and mentally. I’m gutted, but you hurt, and you heal, and we’ll be tighter for it.

“We know we have to have more to win trophies, but they put their bodies on the line for each other, I couldn’t be prouder of the group, they showed real grit. We just need to be better in execution.”