Latest update: 30/10/2009 

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'Pilou-Pilou', France's very own 'Haka'

'Pilou-Pilou', France's very own 'Haka'

The Mediterranean port city of Toulon, home to England international Jonny Wilkinson, is the only place in Europe where fans sing a special version of the "Haka", the battle cry of South Pacific rugby teams. Only here, it is called the "Pilou-pilou".

By FRANCE 24 (text)
 

Toulon has a long history of rugby culture and for years the fans have made "Pilou-Pilou" their own anthem. It was first sung by a local writer, Marcel Bodrero, in the 1940s. It was then adopted by the fans who added this haka twist to it. Though, it sounds and looks very much like a folkloristic copy of the noble Pacific Haka, when chanted in a packed stadium it still gives you goosebumps.

VIDEO: 'Pilou-Pilou', the French Haka

Here is the English translation of the 'Pilou-Pilou':

Ah! We, the terrible Pilou-Pilou warriors
Pilou-Pilou!
Who come from the mountains and go out to sea
Pilou-Pilou!
With our savage wives breastfeeding our children
In the shadow of massive white coconut trees
Pilou-Pilou !
We, the terrible warriors cry out loud our terrible war song
AAAARRRGGGGHHHHH !
I said: "OUR TERRIBLE WAR SONG"
AAAARRRGGGGHHHHH !
Because TOULON
RED!
Because TOULON
BLACK!
Because TOULON
RED AND BLACK!

VIDEO: French Haka 'Pilou-Pilou' on TV
Date created : 30/10/2009 
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