Pro D2. The only Rugby player in his family, serial scorer, Lobos goal… who is really Lucas Da Silva?

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This Thursday, December 19, 2024, may be quite special for Lucas Da Silva. The indestructible hooker from Brive will celebrate his 27th birthday on Amédée Domenech’s meadow with the reception in Agen (9 p.m.) to open the 15th day of Pro D2.

But before blowing out the candles and putting on his crampons, the native of Hauts-de-Seine confided in At the time of Rugby.

“In my family, no one plays rugby”

If he is today a sure value of CAB and Pro D2, Lucas Da Silva spent his youth in run behind a less capricious ball. “I started with judo, then I moved on to football, I followed my big brother who also played… but my physique was not necessarily well suited,” laughs the hooker.

One thing is sure, the oval ball was not popular among those around him : “In my family, no one plays rugby, I was the only one to take the plunge… and I’m still the only one. »

The destiny of the Franco-Portuguese then changes around the 2007 World Cup : “I must have been around ten years old and the clubs were doing interventions in schools for the world championships. One day, a manager who knew my father came to talk to me about rugby. »

Professional debut at 20 against Stade Toulousain

Since then, it’s rugby almost every weekend for Lucas Da Silva who didn’t think he would have a career when he started : “I went there to have a good time and play sports with my friends. » But very quickly things will accelerate for the one who will study at the Stade Français training center.

In 2017, then aged 20, the hooker made his professional debut during a trip to Toulouse. If the result is clear (53-17), it is the beginning of a solid experience with the pink soldiers which will end five years later 68 battles for the capital.

The club from its beginnings necessarily a special place in his mind : “My strongest memories remain the derbies when I played with the young people at Stade Français. But there is also the Top 14 play-off against Racing 92, in 2021, at that time no one expected us. »

But since 2022, it is under the colors of the CAB that Lucas Da Silva builds his emotions. “Last year, even if it didn’t end the way we wanted, the play-off in Béziers (33-31 defeat, Editor’s note) remains a truly memorable moment,” recalls the player.

Eight tries in thirteen matches this season

Pilot fish of the front pack, Lucas Da Silva capitalizes on the collective domination of his family to offer himself a stunning second place in the ranking of the best Pro D2 scorers this season with already eight goals in thirteen matches.

A good thing even if he assures that he does not chase personal distinctions: “I am a fairly altruistic person, it is always nice to see your name at the top of the list, but for me, it is especially a great collective reward for the quality and all the work of our previous package. »

“I’m quite simple”

Altruistic on the pitch, Lucas Da Silva also knows how to be so off it. “I like spending time with my family, my friends, walking my dog, sharing good times… and good meals, I am a fairly simple person” adds this padel fan.

A discipline that he practices as soon as he has a little rest: “I love padel! When we’re on vacation, I always take the opportunity to play it. »

The Lobos jersey in the crosshairs?

But where he feels most comfortable remains rugby. Very constant in recent weeks, the one who draws his origins from Lusitania could also play for the Portuguese selection in the near future.

Already summoned during the last rally, Lucas Da Silva wants to take a step forward: “I hope to be able to obtain my first selection with Portugal, it is an important objective for me”.

An accomplishment that brought him closer to one of his childhood models: “I never idolized anyone in particular, but for me Cristiano Ronaldo is a reference. His work commands respect. » It remains to be seen whether Lucas Da Silva will offer himself the same longevity… at first glance, the position is not the same.

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