The rumor was verified this Wednesday, January 15. Since the evening before, the call-up of Noah Nene (20 years old), three-quarter center of US Dax on loan from Stade Français, appeared to be the big surprise for Fabien Galthié in his list of 42 to prepare for the first match of the Six Nations tournament against Wales, January 31 (9:15 p.m.).
In twelve match sheets (including seven starts), the center (1.92 m, 103 kg) established himself as one of the revelations of this first part of the Pro D2 season. Author of three attempts, he notably distinguished himself during a magnificent slalom in the Landes derby, won largely by the USD against neighboring Mons (40-11), on November 16.
He did not reappear in December due to a back injury, before having a successful return and playing 80 minutes in the improved victory against CA Brive on January 10 (22-9). During this match, he once again demonstrated all his athletic qualities, notably coming close to delivering a decisive pass after another solo rush.
“The image of renewal”
For Jeff Dubois, manager of US Dax, the selection of his player with the Blues remains “rather surprising”. “Since his first mandate, Fabien Galthié has always tried to nurture Pro D2 talents. It's good that Noah is rewarded for what he did. He is a player who played for the France U20 team, he knows the federal system. » He indeed wore the tricolor jersey against Ireland during the 2024 Tournament.
Lacking playing time with Stade Français, he found a base in the spa town in the summer of 2024. “I know his agent (Antoine Ratinaud, Editor's note) very well, he takes care of a lot of young people. He showed me some videos and I found it interesting,” recalls the US Dax manager. The loan materializes, to the great delight of the red and white supporters, delighted to see one of the great hopes of French rugby blossom before their eyes.
When this summons was announced, messages of support abounded on social networks. “Noah is the image of the renewal of US Dax, all the supporters are proud that he wears our colors and that he puts our club in the spotlight of rugby news,” exclaims Pierrot. Even his father has his message. “Congratulations to you son,” he slips into the comments.
Benjamin Gufflet, president of the USD, also reacted to the player's summons on the club's social networks. “We are extremely happy and proud of the presence of Noah Nene in the list of 42. We thank Stade Français for its confidence in lending Noah this season. It’s also a great reward for all the excellent work done by Jeff Dubois, his staff and the entire club,” he said.
Soon in Top 14?
This player with multiple qualities did not take long to seduce an entire city. “He’s a puncher. He has startup qualities. Physically, he's an animal. He has a very strong lower body. He goes very quickly on his first supports. He is able to maintain this speed for a long time, peaking at 36 km/h,” smiles Jeff Dubois. He also highlights “his hands” and his “footing game”.
But the young center still needs to progress in certain phases of play. Logical for his age. “He still needs to work on his off-the-ball game. He's a young talent, he needs to try a little harder. He tends to defend alone. He must continue to maintain this superpower while improving his small weaknesses. By doing that, he will become a very great player,” analyzes the US manager Dax.
You have to go back to 2008 and 2009 to see a US Dax player wearing the French XV jersey (Julien Brugnaut, Renaud Boyoud and Matthieu Lièvremont). Can Noah Nene join them? He still has one week to show all his talent to the staff of the XV of France and hope for selection in the big leagues. In any case, his manager is confident about one thing: “By the end of the year, he will be ready for the Top 14.”
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