It was through a video that RC Vannes center Sacha Valleau announced his retirement from sport this Friday, December 20. With a sad look, his voice almost hesitant, the 28-year-old explains: “I wanted to announce to you today that I am ending my career as a professional rugby player. I have been living with pain for over ten months that has become insurmountable and I am forced to make this decision. »
A moment of course « difficile » for those who have not set foot on a rugby field since last March because of a too painful back, and who find themselves obliged to “close the biggest chapter of (at) life. I have no choice. »
This Friday morning, Sacha Valleau also spoke to the local press including West Franceat the RC Vannes training center. He explained in particular that he had tried everything medically, clinging until the end to the hope of playing rugby again. But his pain impacts him too much, including in his daily life – the nights have become complicated, he can no longer sit up for long during train journeys for example… He also said he was lucky to have been able to have a professional career for 10 years.
Sacha Valleau arrived in Vannes in 2021, launching a new challenge: after years of playing rugby sevens, with the French team in particular, he decided to try the experience of rugby XV. After a difficult start, he exploded with RC Vannes last season, strongly contributing to the title of French Pro D2 champion for RC Vannes, even if he was unable to play in the final stages.
