French amateur side Cha-malieres have apologised after they were roundly condemned for burning the trophy they received for winning an Auvergne regional title.

Chamalieres beat Cisternes 23-6 in last weekend’s final of the 2eme Serie, the region’s fourth-tier competition, to crown their 50th anniversary season in style.

But, a matter of hours later, their triumph gave way to shame as the players celebrated with a barbecue and a photograph emerged on Snapchat of the wooden trophy smoking in the embers.

Auvergne Rugby Committee official Jean-Yves Dijol took them to task with a post on his Facebook page.

“This piece of wood represents a history shared by all players of our region. It belongs to nobody, and especially not to those who do not respect the values of the oval ball,” he said.

“After the regional finals, where hundreds of volunteers worked hard for you and so that rugby can grow, this hurts.”

Chamalieres club president Michel Lafarge promised the club would fund the provision of a replacement trophy.