Author of a disappointing 2023-2024 season, the center of the Section Paloise seems to be regaining color with three tries scored in the last two matches.
Just like Ethan Dumortier, we expected more from Émilien Gailleton last season. Top try scorer of the 2022-2023 season, the Croydon native was expected to turn the corner, but just like the LOU winger, the 20-year-old must prove himself again at the highest level if he wishes to make his return in the XV of France.
Author of six tries in 2023-2024 (compared to 14 the previous season), Gailleton was one of the disappointments of the last season in the Top 14, such is his potential. Surely affected by his non-selection for the World Cup with the Blues, the player who passed through Agen found the Blues this summer during the disastrous tour of South America. After several back and forths between Pau and Marcoussis, the Franco-British finally wants to settle down for the long term with the Blues, and no longer simply be a simple “sparring partner” for his teammates.
A 2023-2024 season where he was expected
At the end of last season, Emilien Gailleton spoke about his level of play in the columns of Rugby Rama . «I’m trying to work on my strengths, which is something I wasn’t doing at the start of the season. A few months ago, I was mainly trying to overcome my difficulties. Being able to regain confidence where I am best can make me stronger. Afterwards, I am still moderately happy with my matches. I’m very irregular actually. I’m happy with a few matches but overall I still have a lot to work on.»
Compared to the prestigious Philippe Sella in his professional debut by his coach from Agen, Gailleton still has to go through a few steps before reaching the level of the fifth best try scorer in the French XV. Under contract in Pau until 2026, the 21-year-old center has time to mature by then and why not help his team reach the final stages of the Top 14 for the first time in its history.
A possible opening in Blues?
It must be said that Emilien Gailleton’s history with the Blues is quite frustrating. Removed from the list of U20s who will become world champions in 2023 to be in the A prelist, he will ultimately not be selected, unlike Louis Bielle-Biarey. After all, the influx of good players in this position with Yorem Moefana, the indestructible Gaël Fickou and adding the rise in power of Nicolas Depoortere and Jonathan Danty did not facilitate the arrival of Gailleton with the XV of France.
Tasked with much more defensive tasks last season at the Section, Emilien progressed in a sector which made him a complete player, to the great pleasure of Sébastien Piqueronies. “He makes a lot of effort without the ball, covers a lot of ground and is increasingly serious defensively on the man», declared the Béarnais manager toActu.fr
A more complete player therefore, who has matured and who has the means to seek a place, if the stars are aligned, in Fabien Galthié’s team during the next gatherings of the XV of France. Why not from November?
