‘This is really serious’ – Toulouse v Sale Sharks delayed after parachutist entangled on stadium roof

Adam Kyriacou
Parachutist stuck before Toulouse game.

Parachutist stuck before Toulouse game.

The start to the Champions Cup round of 16 clash between Toulouse and Sale Sharks was delayed by 40 minutes after a parachutist crashed into the stadium.

Toulouse had put on a show pre-match but things went horribly wrong for a parachutist coming into the ground as he became entangled atop the stadium in a scary moment.

The hanging man was stuck for over 30 minutes until the fire services came to his rescue and rose up to collect him before going even higher up to untangle his chute.

Scary moment

Planet Rugby’s James While was at Stadium Toulouse and captured images and video footage, saying it was a “really serious” incident until the emergency services arrived.

Thankfully he was lowered to the ground and looked mightily relieved as the supporters cheered, in part for his safety and also that the knockout meeting could now go ahead.

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While revealed there was genuine fear for the man’s safety as Toulouse staff originally attempted to garner post protectors to act as cushioning just in case he fell from height.

Luckily that was not the parachutist’s form of coming down as he took a much safer route via the crane as the two firefighters saved the day and the game went ahead.

Jack Willis crossed early

The focus could then turn to the match itself and Toulouse started with real impetus as Jack Willis crossed inside three minutes before Luke James struck back for the Sharks.

Further crossings from Francois Cros, Julien Marchand, Ange Capuozzo and Guillaume Cramont saw Toulouse to victory, with Sale Sharks’ other score coming from Jonny Hill.

Ugo Mola’s men will tackle Toulon on the road in next week’s Champions Cup quarter-finals after the French side overcame Saracens in their round of 16 fixture on Saturday.

READ MORE: Bordeaux-Begles v Ulster: Winners and losers as Damian Penaud ‘beauty’ overshadowed by Irish wings

Champions Cup