The former international center, inducted at the end of August, will make his official debut at the head of the Bleus du 7. He looks back on his candidacy for the position and shares his ambitions for this new mission.
First of all, can you tell us how you came to be named coach-selector of France 7? What surprised the industry…
There was a call for applications for which I volunteered, like everyone else. Then, everything was done around discussions and exchanges around this system. It was an opportunity that had to be seized. In my desire to develop as a coach, this position will be very rewarding. It's accelerated learning: there is a whole group to manage, you have to react quickly, anticipate a lot of things… After having been responsible for the BO training center and coach of the under-20s, I had this ambition to continue to progress, to evolve.
What experience do you have, as a player, in this discipline?
We played there in a club during preparations. I had opportunities to go to the selection but, each time, I was selected for the club. It was less democratized at the time. But I like this discipline, there is a lot of strategy, tactics…
How did those around you receive this news? This is not a job like any other…
Like any change, it was scary at first. But you know, humans are very good at adaptation. It was a desire on my part to take on such an exciting and different challenge. It will allow me to fully live my passion.
How did you prepare for this new position, this new discipline?
I watched many tournaments, I was interested in how this environment works… I tried to put as many things in my head as possible and I had many discussions with former coaches and players. All in all, this is a normal development. For any job, there is curiosity to be had, discoveries to be made. You have to keep in mind that it's still Rugby. There are differences but a three against two remains the same.
You arrive on the heels of the Olympic title and the final victory on the world circuit. How do you understand this context?
The legacy is heavy with everything that has been gained over the last six months. I'm going to try to move things forward without revolutionizing everything. Jérôme's project took eight years, it takes time to build. I will try to give the best of myself but you have to be patient.
How do you feel about having Jérôme Daret, now general manager, at your side?
This is important support. Little by little, he hands over the reins to me and I get involved in the operation. Everything is done gently and in exchange.
Beyond Jérôme, almost half of the Olympic champions are under FFR contract and four others will come to freelance. You don't start from scratch…
In any team, you need backbone and consistency. It is logical that Olympic champions are still present because there is a transmission to be made. Besides that, there is a new generation emerging.
On this subject, the FFR and the LNR presented the “Objective 2028” plan, a strong demonstration of ambition on the part of the authorities…
There is a dynamic on which French rugby must surf. The goal is for everyone to be there. The “Fédé” needs 7 to develop its young people, those who were in the under-20s and who no longer have selections to progress for example. Means are given to us. This shows the ambition of French rugby for the 7s in the long term.
You will have the opportunity during the season to call on fourteen Top 14 players, including Dumortier, Joseph, Garcia… This is another assignment to manage and perhaps not the easiest one….
For the moment, it is Jérôme who manages contact with the clubs and we discuss this subject according to needs, what we want to do… I will gradually turn to this role, it will be done at the gradually.
So this week, you began your life as a frequent traveler…
It was also a desire on my part. I wanted to move, to see the world, to discover other cultures, other people, people who love rugby. It was definitely the right project at the right time for me.
What is the state of mind of the Olympic champions you meet on a daily basis? They need to regain full motivation, which is not the least of the challenges for competitors…
They will have to get used to their new status. This is what the players experience when they have been champions of France and a new season begins. We have to get back on track and do what is necessary to be able to relive these moments in the future. I share with them my experience on this subject. So far, the state of mind is good and there is a great desire to have fun. Afterwards, it is on the field that we will see the character. Dubai will be the first meeting of a long project. We will give ourselves time to work to develop this generation, knowing that the goal is to progress towards the final objective of 2028.
You have many young players under your command, who are discovering the selection and this universe. How do they experience these moments?
They know that it can be a very good opportunity to perform. They are happy to be there and to experience this human adventure. It's up to them to bring all their rugby skills onto the field to make it all even more exciting.
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