Spending the Christmas holidays just before a day of Top 14, that's a challenge that requires a lot of balance! On the Montpellier side, as elsewhere, the players juggle between pleasure at the table and discipline. And if the post-New Year's Eve weigh-in has become an urban legend, there is no question of letting up our efforts.
Foie gras and split livers: the delicate management of the holidays
“What do rugby players do at Christmas?” This is a classic chestnut, but always tasty. Should we deprive ourselves of grandma's foie gras or avoid the chocolate log? Not necessarily, according to Enzo Forletta, for Midi Libre: “You just have to stay measured. I spent the holidays here, I trained every day, so no worries.” A model student, the left pillar knew how to combine pleasure and seriousness.
At MHR, the staff decided to ease the pressure by eliminating the traditional post-Christmas weigh-in. A mark of trust appreciated by players. “The coaches trust us, and I don’t think anyone cheated. But we still had to send our GPS data after each training session“specifies Arthur Vincent, still at Midi Libre.
This discipline, the Montpellier residents had promised themselves from the final whistle against Racing 92 (21-17). In the locker room, captain Billy Vunipola spoke to recall the importance of rigor. “Billy said, 'The coaches are letting you off on Sunday, so give them that trust back!'”says Benson Stanley, coach specializing in rucks and contact attitudes.
As a result, the players respected a strict physical program, while allowing yourself a little respite. “Even if you take a little foie gras, you have to compensate behind, run or do a short session to eliminate”, slips Arthur Vincent, smirking.
Christmas with family… or between teammates
For some, like Arthur Vincent, Christmas was spent with family in Mauguio. But others have had to deal with express trips to reach their loved ones, reducing the time spent with them. As for foreign players, they often get together among expatriates to share a festive meal. “The English, the New Zealanders and the Australians meet together. It creates links,” explains Stanley, a former Clermont and Pau player, who knows this situation well.
Top 14: the 13th day in sight
Three days after Christmas, the Montpellier residents will have to be ready to face their opponents during the 13th day of the Top 14. A period known as “Boxing Day”, where rugby players are used to juggling between the pleasure of the holidays and the rigor of competition. “It’s important to have fun, it brings us joy and energy. But the first steps in training, after the holidays, are always a little harder”admits Vincent.
For the MHR, there is no question of spoiling the dynamic after their great victory against Racing. Foie gras or not, the field will speak on Saturday!
