32 years exactly! This Monday, October 7, is Jonathan Danty’s birthday and for the occasion, Rugbynistère spoke with the powerful three-quarter center of Stade Rochelais. He discusses many subjects, from his preparation for this new season to his ambitions for the coming years.
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How have you handled this offseason, physically and mentally? In terms of vacations?
I had the opportunity to cut back, but I didn’t need to go to the other side of the world to recharge my batteries. I spent a week in Provence with Jules Plisson, with his family and friends in particular. Above all, I spent a lot of time with my loved ones and my family.
At just 32 years old, how do you feel physically?
Alright ! So obviously, it’s the start of the season, but beyond that, I’m mentally good and motivated. It’s a new season after a collective disappointment and a season which was perhaps the worst of my career. But now, I’m ready to get back to it and I know that when I’m in good shape, I can be a decisive player for my team. I want to help him win.
What’s different compared to last season?
Having done physical preparation with Stade Rochelais is a plus. Like every year, we train hard to get back on track, but I think that, here, I have rarely given myself so much. I always look forward, I want to get back to my best level.
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How does the staff motivate the team between each season?
Ronan is instilling a winning culture in La Rochelle. The good thing is that you never get tired of winning. The people of Toulouse will tell you that too. (laughs)
Against Lyon, you scored your first try in over a year. How does it feel to find your way back to the goal?
It feels good in the moment, but I know I’m useful for other tasks. Scoring is cool, but that’s not what thrills me. I prefer to see our wingers crash tries, as long as I do the job in the middle. I know that I am more useful if on a throw, for example, I manage to gain the advantage line with a fast ball and then we score on a second period of play. The work of the shadow, it That’s why I play rugby.
Many young centers have exploded in recent months in the Top 14, how do you view this competition compared to the French XV?
Competition has always allowed me to work more and push myself to the top. To have gifted players who are capable of playing at an international level at a very young age is a good thing for French rugby and it motivates me.
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You have a fairly unique profile as a center. Today, you have made a name for yourself thanks to that, how do you experience this uniqueness?
It has always happened naturally, but since I found the French XV, I have never progressed so much. From 2021 to 2023, I was physically fit and felt comfortable with the ball and defensively. I was told that there was a difference between the matches where I was on the pitch and those where I was not. It made me happy. But that’s when I’m 100%. When I’m at the level I was at last season, I think I’m more useful in the stands.
In recent years, you have often played with Gaël Fickou in Bleus. Recently, he announced that he would surely retire after the next World Cup. How do you interpret this choice?
I admit that I didn’t really follow this episode. Afterwards, I understand it. Gaël has been playing with the French XV since 2013… I think that this kind of announcement does not take away from his motivation. If he targets 2027 as his last challenge, he will give his all until that date.
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And for you, are you thinking about retirement? Your contract at La Rochelle ends in 2027, the date of the next World Cup…
It will happen naturally. I’ll be 35 and we won’t be far from the end. I might not even play three-quarter center anymore. I don’t plan to push after that, until I’m 36, 37 or 38… I prefer to finish on a good note, at 100% of my abilities. Afterwards, if an opportunity presents itself at that time, we’ll see, but I don’t want to do the year too long. I just hope it doesn’t arrive before 2027.
Do you see yourself growing old somewhere other than the center?
As we said, there is more and more competition at the center. Probably tomorrow, we will have to find an alternative and for me, there is the third line position, which I have always liked. I played it a lot when I was younger and it’s similar to three-quarter center. Afterwards, we’re not there yet.
But it’s a possibility…
When I have to help out in a scrum as a flanker, I tend to go see the prop to ask him if I pushed well. I think it’s a sign that I’m getting a little taste for it. There’s just one thing I’m not mentally ready for yet, and that’s mauls for sure. I’m not yet ready to be stepped on by second rows with 21mm crampons (laughs).
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