Almost 500 days since he last wore the French team jersey, and yet, Romain Ntamack still seems unshakable in the number 10 position in the mind of Fabien Galthié, despite the injuries, despite Thomas Ramos, despite Matthieu Jalibert.
In theTeamthe Toulouse opener, who once again had to withdraw from the last autumn tour after having already missed the World Cup and the 2024 tournament, explains that he always felt pampered by the staff during these long months on the sidelines: “The staff called me from time to time to get news, to discuss the game plan, I felt involved. This is why I have always considered myself a member of this team. I kept my confidence. I had the feeling of not being forgotten. On the other hand, this in no way guarantees me a place in the group. It’s up to me to prove myself every weekend.”
“I have nothing to do with it if the staff preferred Thomas”
Asked, precisely, about this somewhat special status in Blue, Romain Ntamack would almost apologize for his performances which make him start matches as long as he is fit to play: “I have always tried to prove as best as possible that I deserved this place, while knowing that the French team jersey does not belong to anyone. You have to be good in every match to keep the jersey.” And too bad for Matthieu Jalibert, who failed to win despite the long absence of his direct competitor for the position for five years.
“I have a feeling this debate will be endless. I repeat, I have never claimed anything. I haven't been here for a year and a half and logic would have dictated that he would take over. He had the opportunity to do it. It's not up to me to judge his performances. If the staff preferred Thomas (Ramos) in the last matches, I have nothing to do with it. It's a shame that the debate is still centered on Ntamack-Jalibert when, during the November Tour, Thomas was very good and he became number 1 in the position. However, his Toulouse teammate should return to the full-back position in January for the reception of Wales. Provided, of course, that no injury thwarts Romain Ntamack's plans.
