Arriving this summer in Toulon, Kyle Sinckler and Lewis Ludlam are already unanimous within the house struck by thrush. A look back at the arrivals of two choice reinforcements.
A year ago, in the middle of the World Cup, Kyle Sinckler and Lewis Ludlam took advantage of a day off to delve into the aftermath. English rugby had just experienced a terrible year marked by three bankruptcies (London Irish, Wasps, Worcester) and the two internationals, at the end of their lease, faced an important choice: accept a pay cut, take up a solid challenge in the Top 14 , or agree to respond to the Japanese sirens. Housed in Bouches-du-Rhône with the XV de la Rose, the friends had thus agreed to respond favorably to the invitation from the Rugby Club Toulonnais. The visit was not the most discreet since they were seen at the Muguet brasserie, an establishment adjoining the Rouge et Noir training center, by regulars of the place. And since Toulon is a village, rumors quickly spread around the harbor.
As for those interested, they were quickly won over by the infrastructure and the speeches given by Pierre Mignoni and Laurent Emmanuelli. A few months later, the tandem was also reassured by the words of one of their own: David Ribbans. A significant plus for Kyle Sinckler. “With the laws in England, I knew this decision meant turning my back on the jersey but I wanted to follow my heart. I always wanted to play abroad. I talked to several guys. There was Charles Ollivon following international matches and Dave (Ribbans, Editor’s note). They were important in my choice. » The South African second row, who decided to represent the XV de la Rose, was thus transformed into a luxury sales representative to extol the sporting merits and highlight the exceptional living environment.
Toulon surfed on the legacy of the Wilkinson years
Having become ambitious again in the wake of the return of Pierre Mignoni, Toulon released another wild card during this evening: the richness of its past history. The Var leaders do not hesitate to show the European cups on display at the training center, and some photos of past glories including Sir Jonny Wilkinson. Well-targeted videos, evoking in particular the fervor of the place, are also broadcast to convince this five-star tandem. Memories are thus awakened in Ludlam’s heart. “I grew up watching Toulon win trophies. When I was younger, I saw pre-match speeches from Jonny Wilkinson who didn’t hesitate to switch from English to French. It’s motivating. It’s motivating to continue the legacy of Jonny and the Armitage brothers. From the moment I decided to leave England and my training club Northampton, I told myself that Toulon would be my first choice. »
Beyond the beautiful phrases, Mignoni today admits to having insisted on another aspect. “Whether they are English, South African, or New Zealander… It doesn’t matter to me! We know more or less all of the players now with video. In the recruitment process, I place a lot of emphasis on personality. I want guys who fit the image of Toulon and the city. It’s not just a question of market opportunity, it’s a question of what they want to bring here. Were they still hungry? If we got to the end of the files, it is because we are convinced by the players, but above all by their state of mind in matches and on a daily basis. They are fighters, and here, they like it. »
Ludlam: “I came to play against the best”
In the Top 14 marathon, “the toughest championship in the world” according to the right pillar and the third row, the debut of the kids of the Perfidious Albion convinced. “They are still in the adaptation phase, pointed out “Migno”, but they are playing their role. We know that it’s always trickier for the front rows, and I’m happy that Kyle is already managing to hold his place. » The ex-Bears owes this form in particular to an early recovery on the RCT Campus side. The attitude was praised internally.
Starting during the first two days before being rested, Ludlam assures that he has no remorse at having turned his back on the Premiership: “I came to play against the best, and to feel a connection in this club and with this public. There is such passion in this championship. In Toulon, I feel like I am where I needed to be. Now I still have a lot to learn, especially about understanding refereeing better. I also have to get used to less structured rugby than in England. But I can say this, I already feel like home. » Express adaptations.
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