Matthieu Ugena (26 years old, 1.86m, 110 kg), the third line of the USAP arrived from Pau in the offseason to revive.
Faced with Colomiers, will the USAP have a face close to the one it will have to present in the Top 14?
Personally, I have never played against Colomiers. From what I know from the staff, it’s a team that will look like what Brive will offer us in the first game of the championship. She’s going to bug us on the rucks. It’s a good preparation for us.
Is this second and last friendly match a way to get a little more into the heart of the matter?
We need that to get to the heart of the Top 14 and be ready for the start of the season. It’s a good test for us on the state of mind too.
How are your beginnings in the group?
Very good. We often hear that but for once I was really well received, whether by the elders or by the young people. I feel comfortable and integrated. Obviously, it’s easier and more fun to show off your qualities and simply your rugby.
In the game plan, do you already have automatisms?
No, I wouldn’t say that. Not yet. It will be as the matches go. The goal is to be able to continue through these two friendlies and then the first matches of the season so that there is synergy between us all.
What prompted you to join Perpignan?
I liked the speech of Patrick (Arlettaz, the head coach) and all the staff, his vision of rugby, the style of play he wants to offer. These are things that suit me. We are talking about the same rugby. That’s why I came here. To revive me too. To feel that a coach likes my game because I have a rather atypical profile in the third line. In the past, my profile may have been less popular but here I feel good and I want to restore the trust that I have been given.
Maintaining the USAP in Top 14, is it a challenge?
It’s a great challenge! An exciting challenge. We will need the support of all the supporters, it will all be done together. There will be difficult times in the season but we are prepared for that. This is the talk from the start of physical preparation. This club deserves to be kept in Top 14 given its good track record.
Have you ever measured the fervor of the public?
It’s funny because it’s one of the first things I was told about here, especially with Mathieu Acebes. I can’t wait to find out even though I already had a taste of the friendly match against Montpellier even though the stadium was not full yet. By wishing that during the next matches there will be people despite the health restrictions. I would like to feel this fervor and get to know Aimé-Giral plein!
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