For what must be his last season among professionals, the ex-Rochelais, leader of the Var group, shines under the colors of his training club.
There is the visual impression and the facts which sometimes invalidate this first view. In Toulon, Jérémy Sinzelle (34 years old) rallies both to his cause and is unanimous among his partners and within the staff. With 1,055 minutes of play in fourteen appearances since the start of this financial year, already almost a third more than last year, the native of Nice is the most used center in the squad. Black headband aimed above the ears, “Sinz” is in the process of returning the confidence granted. Returning to the fold two seasons ago, the ex-Rochelais (2017-2022), who experienced a final year below his personal and collective expectations, is proving valuable in a sector hard hit by injuries (Tuicuvu, Fainga' anuku, Paia'aua and Smaïli). But make no mistake, it does not play the role of stopgap.
Halagahu: “Djé is a coach who plays”
With an above-average understanding of the game in attack and great defensive rigor, Sinzelle is a basic element for Pierre Mignoni. “I have always defended him because I know his potential. […] He has been criticized for a long time, sometimes constantly, and it's terrible. He wasn't ready for X or Y reasons. But I knew he could bring us what he is doing now, even at 34 years old. I'm happy for him. He's a local kid. It’s good to say, too, that a guy coming back is a good thing for the club in general. I think everyone was harder on him about that. Fortunately he's there. At his age, we know very well that he is not going to score us a try from a hundred meters like Gaël Dréan can do but he is valuable for the team. He has an important role.”
In this path towards the end of his career, Sinzelle passes on his experience to this young Var group and in particular to the Minots of the harbor, those who have picked up the torch passed down from generation to generation. “It’s so good to have a player like him, Hello Matthias Halagahu. “Sinz” speaks to us, places us. He has the controller and we are a bit like pawns. In several situations, he tells us how to play. Djé is a coach who plays. He has crazy experience, he has won everything. He knows how the match is going to go. Even if he moans a little…” Often described as “the dad” of the squad, the person concerned, demanding with himself as with others, does not hesitate to raise his voice when he does not like it.
-It must be said that the former Stade Français player knows the path to the top only too well. In the shadows, he won everything that was possible with a Brennus (2015), two Challenge Cups (2017, 2023) and a Champions Cup (2022). And he intends to take a little haircut along the way, before moving on to his new life. In the process of obtaining her diplomas to coach, Sinzelle will remain in the long-term within the institution struck by thrush. Essential, therefore, and in more than one way.
France
Rugby
