The third row participated this Wednesday in his first training with SU Agen. He looks back on his arrival and his ambitions in Lot-et-Garonne.
From the outside, it looked like you got to the SUA very quickly. Behind the scenes, do you have the same observation?
I had my agent and an hour later it was done! If I made this decision so quickly, it is because I think it is the right choice.
What motivated you?
I was short of playing time or I needed it. I was working hard, but with the competition in Montpellier, it was complicated. I didn’t have the chance to really express myself. So I come here to take up the challenge of maintaining that I experienced last year with the MHR. The SUA gives me a real opportunity to express myself.
Did you have the Agenais coaches on the phone before making your decision?
My decision rather came after a discussion with the Montpellier coaches. But on the same day, I had those from Agen. It all happened very quickly. It was both exciting and overwhelming. Even if it’s only a loan, the MHR, it’s still 20 years of my career that may be behind … Leaving during the season, when we had set goals on the year, both collective and individual, is to set off on another path. But the switch was made easily. From the start, I received messages from AUS players and coaches to get me into it quickly. I was apprehensive about this first day. But all of them made it easy for me. It’s up to me to give them back now.
When you change clubs suddenly during the season, the coaches quickly send you the game plan to quickly integrate it?
At the end of our discussion, I asked them to send it to me to quickly find out about things. Then this morning I had a meeting with them to explain to me exactly what they expected, the codes etc. It was much easier for my first steps on the training ground.
David Ortiz intends to use you as # 8, which is your training station.
This is my favorite position, even if I played a lot in n ° 7, even in the second row. Number 8 is the position where I feel most comfortable, especially since we touch good balls. This is also what I lacked in Montpellier, these good balls to be able to express myself. Every week I trained on five positions. There, if I can fix myself, that would be good. But there is competition here too. So even if we have to play 6, 7 or second row, I will play because that’s what I’m looking for.
The third row has been well integrated by his new teammates.
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What did you think of the AUS start to the season?
A team that was out of place. It reminded me of last year’s Montpellier with a big lack of confidence. I think the first loss at home hurt. It took a win to get the machine going after last season. But this first match had the opposite effect. This lack of confidence explained the defeats at the end of the game by a few points. Because when you see the quality of the workforce, Agen is not in its place.
The proof, the last match against Montauban.
Yes ! After that, it is to be confirmed over the next three matches: in Rouen, a direct competitor and here against “Oyo” and Colomiers. There, we will really see.
Indeed, you will be directly in the bath …
Yes but it is good. Like having those three extra days to prepare. I also admit that I was apprehensive about the Montauban match. It was a rocking match. Either it was getting very, very complicated, or there was hope. Seeing the full match made by the guys, there is hope.
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