He turns 22 today. This Saturday, January 4, Esteban Capilla impressed observers by giving themselves a three-quarter try at the start of the second half. A few minutes later, he made his mark again, but this time for a red card due to contact with the throat in the air with an opponent from the MHR. This mistake did not help Aviron Bayonnais, badly beaten (42-10).
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However, this error cannot characterize the excellent start to the season of the man who was U20 world champion, in 2023. Very tall (1.97 m for 100 kg), he is no less fast and has a remarkable view. From 2021 to 2024, he obtained surprising technical quality by making a series of appearances on the Rugby sevens fields. Voted best Supersevens player in 2023, he also made a few dozen selections with France 7.
Alongside Antoine Dupont, he even won the final stage of the SVNS in Madrid last year. Injured, he was not selected to compete in the Paris Olympics last summer. This frustration pushes him to keep those of Los Angeles, in 2028, “in a corner of (his) head”, as he recently revealed to Here Basque Country.
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With his impressive size, this versatile third row has been the delight of Aviron Bayonnais since the start of the season. Esteban Capilla is growing and making a name for himself. So much so thathe attracts the desire of several Top 14 teamslike Montpellier and some clubs in the South-West.
At the same time, Aviron Bayonnais would like to retain its young talent to exploit it to its maximum potential and realize its ambitions. Currently, Esteban Capilla's contract runs until summer 2025. The Basque club would like to find an extension agreement quickly, as recently indicated Rugby Rama.
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This season, he has already made eight appearances with Aviron Bayonnais and took the opportunity to score two tries. “This is my first professional year at XV after three years at 7, where I acquired transferable skills. I wanted to play a lot, but you have to find your place”, he confided in December to Here Basque Country.
In the meantime, Esteban Capilla surely risks missing the next Challenge Cup meetings with Aviron Bayonnais, because of his red card. But for the next few months, he could well be one of the architects of a great end to the season for Jean Dauger. All before, perhaps, heading towards new horizons…
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