Soldier par excellence, Teddy Baubigny is not the type to pull the rug out for himself. Far from it. Still ranked behind the collective, the international hooker (26 years old, 3 caps) will return to competition tomorrow against La Rochelle. Twenty-one days after he felt discomfort in his right calf, forcing him to go out at 37e minute against Racing 92, his training club.
Author of a solid first part of the season, the native of Meaux had to turn on the blinker and be patient during the European break. But, here too, there is no question of bringing the subject back to him. He said at a press conference: “It's a little setback but, quite honestly, in the same match, there was Charles Ollivon who took seven months. For my part, it was ten days. So, I didn't even think about it. I'm not allowed to feel sad. It's still a discomfort in my calf. Compared to others, it's nothing.”
“He is progressing in his leadership”
Respected leader of the locker room, Teddy Baubigny led the Toulon ship last season. An eventful exercise, where the captain was able to cope with pride and determination. This year the bar was collected by Charles Ollivon and David Ribbans. But the role of the hooker has not changed one iota. Enzo Hervé, his teammate, explains: “Teddy remains the same guy, the same leader. Only the title of “captain” has changed. It still has the same impact. Whether it's David [Ribbans]Charles [Ollivon] when he was with us or Teddy, everyone could easily speak in front of the group. He remains one of the club captains. »
A speech supported by Pierre Mignoni, his trainer: “He is no longer captain but still remains very important in the group of leaders. He must further gain depth in the team, like what he did last season. He continues to progress in his leadership, that’s obvious. His calf injury stopped him a little in his progress, but he’s coming back, it’s a good thing for him… and for us!”
-Freed from the weight of the armband, Teddy Baubigny completed the first part of the full season. “I don’t know if, sportingly, I’m better than last year, but I’m fully fulfilled”. Concerning his current level, competition from Mickaël Ivaldi and Gianmarco Lucchesi does not seem to be unrelated.
He explains: “The competition? It's good and important. We are three players, I dare to hope, of good level. So obviously, on the pitch, things work. Gianma' [Lucchesi] plays a lot, Mika [Ivaldi] also when he has the opportunity. We want the team to be as competitive as possible. So I'm probably playing a little less. But it allows you to regenerate and be good when you have the opportunity.” And to continue on the pressure generated by this competition: “When you have the opportunity to play, you have to be at the level. Otherwise, the following weekend, you won't be on the pitch. It's good pressure. You have to take advantage of it to seize your chance otherwise, You move.”
Back on the field this Sunday, Teddy Baubigny has the opportunity to prove that his calf problem is behind him and to confirm his first part of the season as boss.
