Prince Albert II and Princess Charlène Attend Provale Charity Gala in Paris
More than €100,000 raised at the inaugural charity event supporting rugby players in need.
On the evening of March 14, 2025, Prince Albert II and Princess Charlène of Monaco attended the inaugural charity gala organized by Provale, the national union for rugby players in France.
The event, held at the Four Seasons Hotel George V in Paris, successfully raised over €100,000.
Prince Albert II has long been known for his enthusiasm for rugby, a passion that extends beyond the sport itself to support players facing difficulties.
This gala marked a significant demonstration of that commitment, attracting approximately 300 attendees.
As the president of the Monaco Rugby Federation since autumn 2024, Princess Charlène provided her patronage to the event, emphasizing her support for a cause she holds dear.
In a statement, she reiterated her dedication to the fundamental values of rugby—respect, commitment, and teamwork—while highlighting her foundation’s efforts in promoting education through sports and social inclusion.
Princess Charlène stated, "Convinced that sport is a remarkable vector for integration and resilience, I strive to support players at every stage of their journey, both on and off the field.”
During the gala, Malik Hamadache, president of Provale, spoke about the union's mission, which has been dedicated to assisting rugby players in distress since its establishment in 1998. The support ranges from addressing injuries and providing legal assistance to training, career transition, and reintegration into professional life.
Hamadache, a former Algerian international rugby player and a prop for SU Agen in Pro D2, detailed the remarkable growth in Provale’s membership, reporting a record of 964 members from a pool of 1,200 professional rugby players, compared to just 513 during the 2018-2019 period.
To further augment the funds raised, a charity auction featuring signed rugby jerseys and memorabilia was conducted, with items from Toulon and Toulouse, as well as basketball and tennis collectibles, included in the lineup.
Artistic pieces, such as a giant boot created by artist Julian Cavaillé and signed by the French national team captain Antoine Dupont, were also part of the auction.
The overall efforts managed to collect over €100,000 to support Provale's initiatives.
Malik Hamadache remarked on the often-overlooked challenges athletes face after their careers, such as lingering injuries and difficulties in professional reintegration, emphasizing the importance of the initiatives supported by the gala.
The event was also endorsed by former Stade Toulousain flanker and current sports consultant Thierry Dusautoir, and drew a number of rugby figures, both active and retired, including Emile Ntamack, Dimitri Yachvili, Hugo Bonneval, Mathieu Bastareaud, and Philippe Saint-André.
Additionally, notable attendees included Paul Willemse and Antoine Zeghdar, alongside various personalities from the sports and business sectors.
The gala took place 24 hours before the French rugby team's victory over Scotland (35-16) in Paris, which enabled the XV de France to clinch the 2025 Six Nations Tournament.
The event, held at the Four Seasons Hotel George V in Paris, successfully raised over €100,000.
Prince Albert II has long been known for his enthusiasm for rugby, a passion that extends beyond the sport itself to support players facing difficulties.
This gala marked a significant demonstration of that commitment, attracting approximately 300 attendees.
As the president of the Monaco Rugby Federation since autumn 2024, Princess Charlène provided her patronage to the event, emphasizing her support for a cause she holds dear.
In a statement, she reiterated her dedication to the fundamental values of rugby—respect, commitment, and teamwork—while highlighting her foundation’s efforts in promoting education through sports and social inclusion.
Princess Charlène stated, "Convinced that sport is a remarkable vector for integration and resilience, I strive to support players at every stage of their journey, both on and off the field.”
During the gala, Malik Hamadache, president of Provale, spoke about the union's mission, which has been dedicated to assisting rugby players in distress since its establishment in 1998. The support ranges from addressing injuries and providing legal assistance to training, career transition, and reintegration into professional life.
Hamadache, a former Algerian international rugby player and a prop for SU Agen in Pro D2, detailed the remarkable growth in Provale’s membership, reporting a record of 964 members from a pool of 1,200 professional rugby players, compared to just 513 during the 2018-2019 period.
To further augment the funds raised, a charity auction featuring signed rugby jerseys and memorabilia was conducted, with items from Toulon and Toulouse, as well as basketball and tennis collectibles, included in the lineup.
Artistic pieces, such as a giant boot created by artist Julian Cavaillé and signed by the French national team captain Antoine Dupont, were also part of the auction.
The overall efforts managed to collect over €100,000 to support Provale's initiatives.
Malik Hamadache remarked on the often-overlooked challenges athletes face after their careers, such as lingering injuries and difficulties in professional reintegration, emphasizing the importance of the initiatives supported by the gala.
The event was also endorsed by former Stade Toulousain flanker and current sports consultant Thierry Dusautoir, and drew a number of rugby figures, both active and retired, including Emile Ntamack, Dimitri Yachvili, Hugo Bonneval, Mathieu Bastareaud, and Philippe Saint-André.
Additionally, notable attendees included Paul Willemse and Antoine Zeghdar, alongside various personalities from the sports and business sectors.
The gala took place 24 hours before the French rugby team's victory over Scotland (35-16) in Paris, which enabled the XV de France to clinch the 2025 Six Nations Tournament.
