Ultimately, this will not be his last lap. While he had decided that this would be the last season of his career, and he had informed the leaders of the Rowing BayonnaisCamille Lopez has decided to return for a new final season. Until the summer of 2026. Before hosting the Scarlets this Saturday in the Challenge Cup, he talks about the reasons which pushed him to extend his career.
The Challenge Cup is a competition often seen as secondary. How is the team approaching it this season?
Camille Lopez: Obviously, every player prefers to play in the big European Cup, as we did last year. But our place in the Challenge Cup is the result of our season in the Top 14. This year, the objective is clear: to be competitive on both counts. We want to qualify, and that means a victory on Saturday at home. Afterwards, we will see how the competition evolves.
For a long time, this competition was mainly used to rotate the squad. Is it difficult to change the perception?
No, it's not complicated. Things have evolved. Two years ago, the squad was not the same. Today, we have built a more complete group, capable of playing on two fronts. Wanting to perform in this competition reflects the growing ambitions of the club and its overall evolution. This also pushes us to adapt to different styles of play, because the refereeing and approach are often distinct from what we know in the Top 14.
Does this competition offer an opportunity to try new things?
Yes, clearly. The idea is to continue to develop our game while trying new things. It’s a game-oriented competition, but you have to adapt. Tomorrow, we predict complicated conditions: wind, rain… This will perhaps limit our offensive ambitions, but we will still try to produce something interesting and have fun on the pitch.
What does Llanelli mean to you?
When I was younger, it was a team that rivaled the big ones in Europe. Even though things have changed, it remains a club with internationals and quality players. For them, European competitions come before their championship. We are expecting a very solid match, as intense as those we have played recently in the Top 14.
After three intense matches in the league, is this an opportunity for the team to “refresh” itself mentally?
Not really. Looking at what Llanelli is offering, we know it will be tough. It will not be less intense than our last weekends. But the context is different, and it's a good opportunity to think differently.
► Rowing Bayonnais – Scarlets, to be experienced this Saturday on France Bleu Pays Basque
You had announced that you wanted to end your career. What made you change your mind?
The arrival of Joris Segonds did me a lot of good. Playing a little less allows me to take a step back. For two years, I played almost every match, and I needed this breathing space, especially mentally. It's not on me that the whole game rests and this complementarity with Joris makes me feel good. This is also what pushed me to agree to extend.
How was this decision made?
At the start, it was clear in my head: I was stopping. I spoke about it to Greg (Patat, the manager) and the president. Then, just before the holidays, they came back to me to discuss it again. We had several discussions with Greg, Ged (Fraser), and the president. Finally, seeing how things are going this season, I agreed to do one more year. I still love this sport, I enjoy it, and I still feel capable of contributing to the team.
You seem to be coping well with this role of sharing playing time. It's not common, especially at the end of your career…
It's true, it's special. Some people have a hard time understanding that I accept this situation, but I needed it. With age, it's not the body that tires the most, it's the head. This perspective does me good, and I can approach matches differently.
A new season means “doing” a new physical preparation… not the exercise you prefer…
Yes, this is clearly the bad side of extending! (laughs) But I know it's necessary so as not to be a burden on the team. My goal is to be ready on the ground and to bring what is needed. Even if I won't do the physical performances of the younger ones, I want to continue to be useful, and for that, I am preparing seriously.
Beyond the last year, has there been a retraining at the club?
It’s a subject I’ve been thinking about since I’m nearing the end of my career. But that will be decided later when it is really finished. That's not the point here.
