Alexandre Ricard, 25, second line trained in Albi, revealed in Colomiers (who is going to Montauban this evening on the occasion of the 19th day of Pro D2, at 7.30 p.m.), seduces several Top 14 clubs including UBB.
We remember your dejection after the defeat of the first leg against Montauban (19-23). Why were you so scarred?
We had shown many shortcomings in this match, the worst of our season in terms of waste. It was unthinkable to release a production like that in a derby. We all wondered how was it possible to display this level.
Everything has since returned to normal and Colomiers has been in good health since the start of the year.
We did the right thing after the break. Especially since the defeat against Oyonnax had hurt us. It was a tough game, we had the ball but we felt helpless. We ended up in 7th place before the break so as soon as we resumed, we all wanted to do well. We questioned ourselves without turning everything upside down.
Result, three wins in a row which you had not done since April last season.
Yes and with two more away wins. And not the simplest matches (Carcassonne and Soyaux-Angoulême, editor’s note), against opponents who are gambling on their survival. It’s very important to win away from home with the three defeats we suffered (Vannes, Montauban and Oyonnax, editor’s note), especially since in half the season, that’s already a lot.
Here you are back in 4th place, the latter remains a goal?
Yes, we are within the objectives we have set ourselves. But be careful, the teams at the top of the table, Oyonnax, Mont-de-Marsan and Agen are advancing very quickly. We must not lose points on the way if we want to keep up the pace because behind these three, it will hunt every week to interfere in the top 6.
Tonight, you can expect an intense derby especially as the Montalbanais have chosen to celebrate the 120th anniversary of the club in front of you. Are you ready ?
We are indeed expecting a very big fight, especially since they have just lost to Massy and are six points behind the first relegation player, Massy in this case. What questions me is that Montauban has very good players in all lines, I wonder how it is that they have so much trouble.
Coming back to you, it seems that the Bordeaux-Bègles Union is very seriously interested in you. You confirm ?
It’s not false but these are very recent contacts and nothing is done.
Does the Top 14 make you dream?
When I was young, my first dream was to play a pro game. Then, once that happened, it was to sign a pro contract. Finally, it was to win at Colomiers. Since then, my name has been circulating and I have had some feedback from Top 14 clubs but nothing concrete. But of course, we think about it. I want to progress and take another step, to find the best level to evolve.