Victim of a forearm injury last May, Levani Botia will make his comeback to the competition on Saturday, as a starter, on the occasion of the 11th day of Top 14 and the reception of Vannes to Marcel Deflandre ( 4:30 p.m.). The Fijian third row from La Rochelle, 35, spoke at length about his injury, his convalescence and his joy at returning to the field this Thursday afternoon, after training.
If you're in front of us, it's because you're going to play on Saturday…
Yes, it's a pleasure to represent the colors yellow and black again, in front of our supporters, at home. I'm very happy, I've been working for a long time to get back on track.
We thought you were unbreakable…
(Laughs) I'm just human. Sometimes if you're not ready, you get hurt, you fall. But a human being gets up and leaves. So, I'm happy to be back.
How is your forearm?
Great. I work with the coaches, the physiotherapists and the doctors, I have done several scans. I work every week, every day.
Were you surprised it took so long? Just last week, your trainer Sébastien Boboul said that your forearm was not yet consolidated enough…
Yes, normally the plan was for a maximum of four months, but the decision to optimize recovery comes from the doctor. I think it's also a good idea for the body to be 100% to be able to return to the field.
Wasn't it too frustrating because you were training with the group, but without being able to reconnect and therefore play?
Yes, a few weeks ago I was very disappointed… Because I do my best, I work hard every day to help the boys on the pitch. Sometimes my morale took a hit because I was frustrated at not knowing how to get back on the field. So, it’s great to be back!
Can you come back to this injury suffered against UBB last May?
It was on an “accidental” tackle, which I made. I didn't even know my hand was broken until I asked the doctors to have my hand examined. So they wanted me to have a scan and they knew my hand was broken. It was the first time in my life that I had a broken bone. I didn't sleep well. That day, I was really afraid that my rugby career was over. That was the first thing that came to my mind, but after that they encouraged me that everything would be fine.
Is your international career over or not yet?
I always open the door, but my age is growing quickly (smile). There are so many young players who have joined Fiji now. We'll see what the coach wants. If he wants me to come back, I will always open the door.
“How am I doing physically? I think my lungs are ready (laughs)”
Returning to the competition at Deflandre a week before the resumption of the Champions Cup, isn't that the best option?
Yes, it always pushes me to play at home, in front of our supporters. I'm really happy to be back this weekend. And thank you to the young players for offering me a permanent challenge. Like Oscar (Jegou), many play very well. I have to earn my place if I want to play.
What do you think of the repositioning of Jonathan Danty, usual center, in the third line, against Castres last Saturday? We automatically think of your journey…
I joked with him last week, because it reminded me of the first time Patrice gave me the jersey. I said, “It’s a mini-Lep’s now!” » (laughs). I am very happy for him, because he is a strong and experienced player. I think one day he will be in the same situation as me. He will leave number 12 and focus solely on the forwards.
Did you give him any advice?
Yes, they (the coaches, editor's note) asked me to speak to him, because it was the first week that he trained with the forwards and it was his first match as a flanker. He understands everything!
How are you doing physically, in terms of cardio and rhythm?
Good question. It was hard to come back with the team. It's not the same thing and the same conditioning to do physical training, alone, then with contact. You have to be in good shape before playing rugby. Thanks to the coaches for giving me a week. I started last week. I think my lungs are ready (laughs).
You will face two English teams after Vannes (Bath and Bristol, in the Champions Cup). Do you know how much players, staff and coaches are afraid of you?
(Laughs) I'm just a human being, I'm like the other players. I don't know what they see or what they hear. But whatever they say or think, it's not on my mind. For me, I just focus on what I'm doing. I need to do better things to help my team move forward.
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