This year, the region encouraged the League to form a team representative of the region. "A bit of a rush," says Jean Mesnildrey, who is coordinating the team in the competition, with Dimitri Dragin from Le Havre, world team champion in 2011, in charge of the sporting side. Normandy has seen the likes of David Douillet and Fabien Canu pass through its ranks, "but hasn't been able to keep them", regrets the manager.

Normandie Judo's position is clear: quality athletes and coaching, but as much as possible linked to the region. As a result, the team is made up of fighters who are either licensed in Normandy or have passed through the Caen or Rouen "pôles espoirs".

Establishing an entity independent of the Ligue de Normandie by 2024 is plan A. However, retaining the regional team format in the future is a possibility. A number of towns have expressed an interest in hosting Normandie Judo on a permanent basis in the future. This year, three different departments will host Pro League matches. "Here, we have the particularity of being fairly close-knit. We liked the idea of establishing a regional identity. What's more, all the clubs are keen to support us," concludes an optimistic Jean Mesnildrey.