Zapping World Fifteen Shield of Brenno, XV of the Rose, World Cup 2023…
Tell us, how did rugby get to you and where did you start?
I was born in Toulon and started at RC Hyères which then merged to become Rugby Club Hyères Carqueiranne La Crau and then went to Toulon at 13 in the Minimes category.
An inspired career choice
Because you left Rugby Club Toulonnais, your favorite club ?
I have never known the professional world with RCT since I left when I was at Crabos. I wanted to revamp and find out what was in the other clubs and see how that could happen. It’s a rugby choice, because at the time there were already many more people in front of Toulon than in Castres.
Why this choice to join Castres Olympique exclusively?
It is also a choice of culture, because my uncle (Yann Delaigue, former opening half of the XV of France) advised me on the choice to consciously enter the CO since he played there for two years. He told me the city and the club were great and I had to give it a try, so I did.
There is a lot of enthusiasm in Castres, the town is smaller and therefore everyone knows rugby. It is true that it is the center of interest of the city.
How was your integration when you arrived in 2020?
At first it was difficult to leave Toulon, because I was born there and have always lived there. I have all my family, I also have all my friends, there is no sea in Castres anymore (laughs). But I integrated very well with the other young people and got used to the city quickly.
To get back to family ties, this is a recurring question you needed to answer, but does it add pressure to have an uncle named Yann Delaigue?
Yeah, I’m lucky I don’t have the same last name as him (laughs). It is less complicated than players like Théo Ntamack who have the same name as their father.
Many say, ”yes, he is the nephew of Yann Delaigue”, it’s a bit heavy after a while, but I accept, it’s also the game. Hopefully later we’ll just say ”I am the nephew of, but although he is my uncle.”
An apprenticeship for today’s rugby
Louis LebrunPhoto credit – IconSport
You have Benjamin Urdapilleta as your ”competitor”, how does it feel to have such a player by your side?
Benjamin helps me and gives me his experience in animation and kicks. He’s a great player and it’s nice to have him by my side to learn. There’s a healthy competition between us, he’s the dad of the band, even though I’m not old enough to be his child, but the relationship is just like.
As for your game, you are a versatile player who can play opening as well as center, and also defense, what is your favorite position and the one you want to enroll in for your professional career?
Today I don’t have a designated position, I do a bit of everything and in rugby today, I think it’s important to be able to play in multiple positions. I really don’t want to set myself up now for my whole career and not be able to evolve with others anymore. If I am asked to play full back, I will play full back, if I am asked to play center, I will play center and if I am asked to play wide, I will play wide, the most important thing is to play.
I have a slight preference for the #10 position because I like having responsibility or the first center position in 5/8, it’s also something interesting and I appreciate it.
A cornflower with the blues
Louis LebrunPhoto credit – Iconsport
You were the captain of the U20s, how does it feel to enter the major leagues with France A?
It’s a pride to be able to do internships with the XV of France, it’s the beginning of a dream, the result will be to have a selection and more. But it’s already a special feeling to join the Blues even just for an internship.
What is a typical week of training with Fabien Galthié like?
It’s kind of like a club, except you have to learn a different game plan because we’re all from different places, you have to create this thing right away in no time. There are also several meetings between us to unite the group, it is certain.
While doing the Summer Tour in Japan, I knew some guys like Charles Ollivon and other leaders and last week it was Florent Vanverberghe who joined the group, we play together with Castres and we got together in the hall, it was easier.
What is your feeling when you know that at 20 you are already in the small cards of the Blues?
It’s nice, it’s obvious, but you also have to know that overnight you can’t be called again for 5 or 6 years. I fully live the present moment and we will see.
A presumed dream
Louis LebrunPhoto credit – IconSport
You are engaged until 2026 with Castres Olympique, it comes to mind, would you see yourself returning to the club of your debut, the RCT?
Well, obviously, it’s a club that makes you dream and that made me dream. But for the moment I don’t think about it at all, I am very happy in Castres and I feel very comfortable there. I don’t intend to change companies, the CO trusts me and me too.
Finally, what are your short- and medium-term goals?
In the short term, of course, it’s playing as much as possible with my club and then there’s the 2023 World Cup coming up. I want to continue growing and winning titles as soon as possible.
I know it’s very difficult to be in the group, but it’s a dream for all French players to compete in this competition which is also held in France. It is a goal, certainly very complicated to achieve, but I keep it in mind. You never know, a season is very long and there can be many twists and turns.
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