The stillness of the morning in early summer embraced those who gathered in silent prayer around a plaque and a young linden tree, planted in 2017 as a memorial to young French exchange student Peyo Crus, who tragically lost his life in a car accident while attending Long Bay College earlier that year. This tree also signifies ‘liberty’ after villagers planted them following the French Revolution in 1789.
Peyo was known to have a great love of life, and it was his love of the game of rugby that drew him to New Zealand for his international high school experience. He was a member of the Long Bay First XV and forged some strong friendships in that time. His coach Craig Thomason described him as having soaked up rugby like a sponge.
After Peyo’s accident, his father Olivier Crus said, "Life is intense, maybe short. You need to make the most of it, live life to the fullest, love, play rugby, play in everyday life, communicate, learn; at school, from yourselves, from others. We must not be sad." This sentiment prompted the phrase #livelikepeyo which has been printed on t-shirts and adopted by other sports teams in Peyo’s home town of Chaumont.
So, in 2018, the Long Bay College team, coached by Craig and at the invitation of Olivier, flew to France and was hosted by the welcoming Chaumont community who opened their homes and arms to these North Shore families. The Kiwis took with them a specially-made silver cup named ‘Peyo’s Cup’ and following a commemorative haka especially designed by Ben Thomason, played a one-off game against Peyo’s club team, which the Kiwis won by just one point.
Beautiful friendships were formed between the families, who had never met before, so it was deemed a good idea by Olivier that the French came to New Zealand for a rematch this year.
Last month, 2nd November, was about remembering and honouring Peyo on his old rugby pitch at Long Bay College, along with the reformed original First XV of which Peyo was a member, and his French club team and family visiting for the first time. As an observer, you couldn’t help but recognise the closeness of this unique group of people. From a tragic event, friendships have grown that now span the globe.
During the week, college families billeted the French in their homes and helped them get to the various excursions and events that were organised for them. The All Blacks bus from Ritchies was used to transport them to ferries, rugby clubs, Rotorua (including a marae stay), and the famous Eden Park with lunch at The Barbarians Club and where Olivier was presented with a rare Barbarian’s tie. In return, he presented a #livelikepeyo tie to ex-All Black Craig Dowd.
Organising committee member Sue Thomason said the sponsorship of the activities, transport, food and playing kit had been amazing. The kit was supplied by Paladin Sports and designed by Ben Thomason with Mäori motifs and depicting golden stairs for Peyo’s ascent to heaven. New World Long Bay was generous with food for a picnic down at the beach and Fullers Ferries took everyone to Mototapu Island one day. “Even flowers for placing at the crash site were donated.”
Before the big match, on Saturday 2nd November (the same day as the Rugby World Cup final), the French and New Zealand families joined together in the spirit of friendship and honour. Coach Craig welcomed everyone to the tree memorial recognising this special friendship between France and New Zealand. “Our whanau is now yours,” he said. “Our hearts are with you and your hearts are with us. Play this game for Peyo as he would have wanted it." Past team assistant coach and player Ben Thomason gave a karakia then led the two teams in the commemorative haka. Peyo’s mother placed flowers by the memorial tree.
A hearty lunch was served before the Long Bay Girls' Sevens team played Rangitoto College and the rugby teams met on the pitch at 3pm for a spirited, close game that was finally won by the Kiwis 17-10, completing a week of bonding, and sharing tears and tributes. But there were plenty of smiles too, as everyone made sure they were focusing on how to #livelikepeyo.
