Ugi Pacôme – Back of Colomiers. At only 19 years old, he was able to find a place in the professional squad of La Colombe. The young man, trained at the club, is one of the gems of this first part of the season.
Last season you made your debut in the professional world. From now on, you are fully integrated into the group. How do you feel?
I find that I am improving and that I deserve my place more and more. Let's say that when the team was announced and I was part of it, I felt like it was a little more deserved than before. Last season, I felt like I was playing because there were special circumstances, like injuries. When they threw me into the deep end, they actually explained it to me. This season, I have more merit. I want to play every Friday and I want to keep this place.
Do you feel that this first part of the season has already made you progress?
Yes, totally. I feel like every week I'm improving, my rugby is developing. In fact, every week I learn new things. Every minute in Pro D2 gives me a lot of experience. I have the feeling that my rugby is improving. I may not be the best but I learn from the players around me.
How did you find your place in this group?
I am very well integrated. Last year, I arrived with stars in my eyes. Since I was 5 years old, I have been watching this team. They welcomed me as their little brother, even their friend, because I don't often feel like I'm 19. The team and the staff do everything so that I don't feel like the little kid on the team. I am a full-fledged gamer. And if I happen to think I'm a bit like someone else, they don't hesitate to tell me, there's no problem.
A few months ago, you told us you had the feeling that it was almost too good to be true. Today, have you realized that all this is very real?
It's true that at the beginning, I was always afraid that it would end. Today, I understood that I could make it my job. However, I don't at all have the feeling of having already arrived… In fact, I see rugby so much as a game, as my passion, that I don't even know if I would be able to say to myself one day that I am a professional gamer.
You are versatile since you play at midfield and at fullback. Do you have a preference?
Finally, I believe that when you are young, it is easier to play at the back. The opener has this animator and organizer side. The 10 is a bit of a jack of all trades. I think I have a preference for the fullback position because I love to attack, go fast and restart. Now that I'm a little more comfortable, I also feel good at flyhalf. The matches I played went well. In the end, the answer is that I don't have a preference but that I think I'm better at the back. I'm sure it will evolve over time.
The 6 Nations Tournament for the French under-20 team is approaching. Do you think about it?
In my head, I have lots of goals and this is one of them. Currently, I am in Colomiers and honestly, I think a lot about the club. By having good matches, I hope to be there. This year, I did the “leadership” course with the French youth teams… And I must admit that by doing it, it still made me even more want to join the under-20 adventure in February .
What do you expect from the second part of the season with Colomiers, collectively and personally?
Collectively, I'm waiting for us to get this group back in full force because we've had a lot of injuries. I believe that at the beginning of January, we will be almost complete. This year, the objective is the top 6. When you return from vacation, you will have to arrive motivated to qualify. Every weekend, whether away or at home, you will only have to have one thing in mind, qualification. Personally, it's continuing to develop myself, whether in rugby or even physically. When I compare myself to other backs in the championship like Gabin Lorre or Mathis Ferté, I don't feel like I'm one of the best. I still have a lot of work to reach their level.
