This is unexpected news, but apparently thoughtful. This Saturday, January 18, the newspaper L'Équipe indicated that the versatile third line Yacouba Camara (1.95 m and 112 kg) would no longer wear the rooster jersey. Indeed, the latter would have chosen to leave the XV of France to represent Mali in the years to come.
Rugby in Burkina Faso, small means for many talents – Far from the Blues, close to the heart #6
Yacouba Camara far from the XV of France
Moreover, this decision was surprising. Indeed, Yacouba Camara has had a very convincing start to the season with the Cistes. The 30-year-old also shone for his great versatility, since he is capable of playing in all positions, from number 4 to number 7.
According to many observers, his return to Marcoussis was more than likely. However, the player took the lead. He would have called Fabien Galthié on his own this Monday to express his desire to change his sporting nationality. Even beyond future performances on the field, he would also like to contribute to the development of Malian rugby.
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In the past, the one who was trained at AC Bobigny 93 and at the Rugby Club Massy Essonne was already one of the standard bearers of Malian rugby. Several years ago, he had already been in contact with the local federation. The latter had also publicly congratulated him for his participation in the 2029 World Cup.
-However, Yacouba Camara could wait a long time before wearing the colors of Mali. Indeed, the country is not qualified for the Rugby Africa Cup 2025 and also did not participate in the last repechages of the competition. As with almost all African selections, international meetings have become very rare since the Covid_19 pandemic, even if club meetings continue to maintain the spark of rugby in Bamako and the rest of the country.
In the past, the Montpellier HR player had worn the French XV jersey 17 times. His last appearance in Blue dates back to the 2019 World Cupin Japan. Often hampered by injuries, the native of Aubervilliers was a recurring element in the groups of Guy Novès and Jacques Brunel.
After more than five years without a call for selection, Yacouba Camara can therefore apply for another selection, provided that he is from the corresponding country. For the former Stade Toulousain, this box is already checked since his parents come from Mali, again according to L'Équipe. Good luck to Montpellier, hoping that its ambitions take shape on the other side of the Mediterranean.
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