The Champions Cup last-16 match between Toulouse and Sale Sharks faced an unexpected delay on Sunday afternoon following a dramatic pre-match incident.
A paratrooper became stuck on the roof of the Stadium de Toulouse during what was meant to be a routine parachute display ahead of kick-off.
The military parachutist was left dangling precariously above a stand filled with local supporters after his chute snagged on the stadium structure.
The incident occurred when three parachuters were scheduled to land on the pitch as part of the pre-match entertainment.
The military jumper was left suspended above a section packed with Toulouse supporters
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Officials promptly announced that the scheduled 3pm kick-off would be delayed by 30 minutes whilst rescue operations commenced.
The final parachutist's descent took a dramatic turn when his chute became entangled in the roof structure of the stadium.
The military jumper was left suspended above a section packed with Toulouse supporters, creating immediate concern among match officials.
While the first two paratroopers had successfully landed on the pitch as planned, the third's equipment snagged unexpectedly on the building.
The parachutist remained attached to the stadium roof, dangling in full view of thousands of spectators.
Though there were no immediate safety concerns for the stranded jumper, authorities quickly recognised the need for a coordinated rescue operation.
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Stadium officials immediately cleared spectators from the seating area directly beneath the suspended paratrooper.
This swift evacuation created space for emergency responders to establish a safety zone below the dangling military jumper.
Authorities then began constructing an improvised landing pad using rugby tackle bags, arranging them strategically on the ground.
The makeshift safety measure was designed to provide cushioning should the parachute suddenly detach from the roof.
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There were huge concerns after the parachuter became entangled on the roof
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Match officials communicated the 30-minute delay to the waiting crowd as rescue operations continued.
Both sets of supporters remained in their seats throughout the incident, watching the rescue efforts unfold with bated breath.
As the rescue operation continued, emergency services deployed additional safety measures on the ground.
A half-inflated bouncy castle was positioned beneath the stranded paratrooper as a secondary precaution.
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Drama here at Toulouse. Three military parachuters have landed on the pitch and one of them is caught on the roof. Looks like we may have a delayed kick-off. pic.twitter.com/aq6m3HtnD1
— Nik Simon (@Nik_Simon88) April 6, 2025
After approximately 20 minutes suspended in mid-air, the paratrooper's ordeal neared its conclusion.
A fire truck arrived at the stadium to assist with the rescue, drawing enthusiastic cheers from supporters of both Toulouse and Sale Sharks.
The vehicle's arrival signalled that professional rescue personnel had taken control of the situation.
