Last week, Noah Nene (20 years old) was called to everyone's surprise by Fabien Galthié with the XV of France. Released by the Blues staff on Wednesday evening, he returned this Thursday afternoon to the enchanted interlude he experienced in Marcoussis, where he hopes to leave as quickly as possible…
Can you tell us about the crazy week you just had?
I learned that I was summoned through Jeff Dubois (US Dax manager, Editor's note) last Tuesday. He had heard that I was going to be on the list. A little later, I received a call from Nicolas Jeanjean (physical trainer for the French XV, Editor's note), who confirmed this to me. I was very surprised, but very proud and excited at the idea of going to Marcoussis.
Were you aware, via Laurent Labit, that Fabien Galthié was monitoring your performances, or were you surprised?
Laurent Labit told me that he had had a little discussion with Fabien, but I did not at all expect him to call me. I hadn't planned to go to Marcoussis on Sunday, that's for sure.
We assume that from the moment the information came out, your phone started ringing…
Tuesday evening, a little bit, but there was nothing concrete. On Wednesday, when the list came down, it started to ring quite a bit, yes… I tried to reply to everyone, but I quickly put my phone on silent to be a little quiet and reply to people later in the evening.
How many calls and messages have you received?
I don't know, there were quite a few. I had messages and calls from people I knew, others I didn't know. Journalists also contacted me, but I left this part to Emmy Bineau (who supports the players from the SD agency, Editor's note).
Did you receive more like 50, 100 or 500 messages?
More like 500. I tried to respond to everyone. Besides, here, I am still continuing (smile).
What message made you most happy?
(He thinks) There isn't just one. The messages from my former coaches, at RC Val de Bièvre, made me happy and touched me. My mother is in contact with people there. I received lots of messages and it made me extremely happy. The messages from the leaders of Stade français, Laurent (Labit) and Kobus (Potgieter) were also friendly. Afterwards, those in my family touched me the most, obviously.
How was your summons experienced in Dax?
I don't know how people experienced it, but for me, it didn't change anything at the club. I am still a young player, who continues to prove himself. For me, there is nothing achieved. The list of 42 is very good, but I know what I want, it's only the beginning. I remain very calm, very humble about this.
You joined Marcoussis on Sunday evening. What were your first impressions there?
I had already visited there with the French under-20 team. There, it's in the big leagues, on the other side. You arrive in the rooms of the XV, you have everything ready: your suitcase, your things. I was quite impressed, but also very excited to start training.
Icon Sport – Sandra Ruhaut
Who were you in the room with?
Yoram Moefana.
Did you know him?
Yes, we played PlayStation together a few times, Call of Duty, because I'm friends with Kito Falatea, who plays Dax. Yoram is one of his cousins. The best at Play? It's him (laughs).
How was the week in terms of training?
Monday was a lot of maintenance and recovery. We did a nice cardio session and a little fieldwork. The real sessions then began on Tuesday. We had a session against the U20s, but there were guys rested, because some had played on Sunday. Finally, Wednesday took place the “ball in play” with the group of 42 players.
-What were you most impressed by during this 42-person session?
The game goes much faster than in a club. It's another level, which requires more investment, races. It's more intensive, you have to be very focused and attentive, especially when you're new and don't know the game plan. It requires a lot of attention.
How do newbies learn the game plan in such a short time?
The staff sends the game plan to a group and it's up to us to take a look at the document. We are being sent this with a message that says to know your role well.
Fabien (Galthié) told me that he was aware of my abilities
You like to touch the ball and attack. Did you have opportunities to express yourself during Wednesday's session?
There were two teams, it was 50-50. I was able to touch some interesting balls, yes, but I remained a little reserved, because I'm starting to get back into the group. I'm trying to acclimatize myself a little, to anchor myself to the group.
Were you able to discuss and debrief this internship with Fabien Galthié?
A return, no, but as soon as I arrived, he spoke to me.
Did he discuss the succession plan with you for the position of first center in the French team?
He didn't necessarily talk to me about the succession plan. He told me, as he can tell players who are summoned, that the cards are in my hands. If I want to be in the group and get called on a lot, it's up to me to do the work. Fabien told me that he was aware of my abilities.
Do you know if he will call you back for the next internship?
I hope so, but I have no idea. We'll see in the next list.
Was the return to reality, in Dax, difficult?
No, that's how it works. We do three days, then we return to Dax. Frankly, I am happy and proud to have spent these first three days with the France team. I will be able to play this weekend against Soyaux (he will start, Editor's note). In three days, I learned things. I am in a hurry to implement them.
Six months ago, you only had three matches under your belt with the professionals. Since then, you have gained experience with Dax and you have just completed an internship with the XV of France. What does this inspire you?
It's not nothing, but there are still a lot of things to do, to prove. I'm glad it's happening like this, but it's only the beginning. I hope to do even more and better over time.
I have a little thought about this tour
How does a young 20-year-old player manage this sudden excitement?
I am very well supported. I can't ask for better at the moment, with Emmy and Antoine (Ratinaud, her agent, Editor's note). They are there to advise me, help me, talk to me, manage the networks. For the moment, I only care about rugby. It's not that bad, it allows me to stay focused on rugby. I'm young and I still have everything to prove. I can't ask for better.
Does this invitation reinforce your idea of returning to Paris and then establishing yourself there?
My goal is to finish the season in Dax. I don't care about the rest. After that, I will have two years left in Paris. I don't know what tomorrow will bring. I am focused on Dax, to finish the season properly, aiming for the final phase. I think we can do it, that we have the team and the resources. We'll see later. For the moment, my mind is nowhere else. I want to play rugby, get results with Dax and go as far as possible.
Has the summer tour become a goal for you?
Yes, I'm definitely thinking about it, but I'm focused on the end of the season with Dax. If I think about lots of things, I'm not necessarily going to be good on the field. If I am good on the pitch, on the contrary, things will work out. Of course I have a little thought about this tour. But hey, it's just a thought. For now, it's 100% Dax and we'll see later.
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