Unknown a year ago, Lucas Martins has since become a Portuguese international and discovered the Pro D2 championship. A starter at Mont-de-Marsan, he made a thunderous debut in the Agen jersey. And what if he was the new SUA phenomenon?
This is the story of a 21-year-old kid who is living a waking dream. The story of a winger with legs of fire whose career has taken some major twists and turns in recent months. Just a year ago, Lucas Martins was a Blagnac player. Almost no one knew him.Especially since I was injured from the beginning of October to about mid-December.“On his return in January, the interested party took part in a block of matches before the club filed for bankruptcy.”This really put a stop to my situation. Of course it made me doubt. I didn’t really know where to go but I always had this goal of becoming a professional rugby player. And this, by all possible means.“
In his misfortune, Lucas Martins was called up last winter to take part in the Six Nations Tournament B with Portugal. He played four matches, including the semi-final and the final, and scored three tries. One of which was when he crossed the field.A great experience“, he agrees, which quickly arouses the interest of the Agen staff. The winger says: “My first contacts with Agen took place during the Tournament. My agent was in contact with them and I quickly had a video conference with the staff. Sébastien Calvet was there. Everything happened very quickly and it was a real relief for me. I didn’t hesitate, Agen is a big club.“
Professional life, another world
Martins then quickly projected himself and decided to prepare himself to be ready for the resumption, set for the beginning of July. Since then, he has been discovering the professional world.It’s faster, more precise… At first, I was surprised. Getting up to go train and practice your passion is great. Before, I would go to class all day, then to training from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and then I would go home. I was dead. I had no social life.“, remembers the neo-Agenais.
Last Friday, he had his first match in Pro D2. A meeting in Mont-de-Marsan during which he scored a try and demonstrated all his abilities in attack and under high balls (five defenders beaten, 100% under candles, two decisive breakthroughs, Editor’s note).I felt good even though there was a bit of stress. It was mainly the excitement and joy that prevailed. Physically, I was in good shape even though I had some discomfort in my hamstrings before the first day of the championship. It was a nice match to play and I really enjoyed it.“
Alongside rugby, his new life inevitably has an impact on his studies. Lucas Martins was forced to leave school to become a general engineer in Blagnac.Now I’m thinking of doing a master’s degree, maybe in management. But my priority is rugby.“, proclaims the man who was able to count on his mother’s support during his first trip to the Landes.
Also read: Lucas Martins: “Prioritize my integration into Agen rather than challenge the Springboks.”
Sheepish, the travels, his versatility…
The Martins family is also very present.It’s unusual to have two children who are professional rugby players. But they went to see my brother Nicolas during his first match and my mother was there in Mont-de-Marsan.“His geographical location and his schedule also allow him to return to Toulouse regularly to meet his friends and relatives.
The fact remains that Lucas Martins is flourishing at Armandie. A stadium that he will discover this Friday evening, against Nevers.I can’t wait to be there“, he repeats. On his wing, he will try to bring danger to the opposing defense. A bit like one of his models, Damian Penaud.”I like him a lot, as I like all the wingers of the French team who are inspiring.“, he smiles. Moreover, like several elements of the French XV, Lucas Martins enjoys valuable versatility. Even if he assures that he concentrates on his position as a winger, he could also help out in the center and at the back. But initially, he still has a lot of room for improvement as confirmed by his manager, Sébastien Calvet: “He is a fairly complete player, tall and reliable under high balls. He still needs to work on his defensive markers and control his offloads so as not to overdo it. But he has great potential, that’s for sure.“
This great traveler in life exudes serenity and carefreeness. A bit like he demonstrated in the Landes finally. After Raffaele Costa Storti last year, the Pro D2 may have found its new Portuguese moped…
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