from Durban to the Stade Français via Biarritz, the lucky star of Joe Jonas

Baptiste Fariscot remembers it perfectly. At 19, among the hopefuls, the Biarritz Olympique winger played at full-back. And then, in 2020, he sees Joe Jonas arrive, one year older than him on the identity card. “In one of the first matches, he played 15 and me on the wing,” says Fariscot. On his first action, he crosses the field. I said to myself “shit”. »Nice to meet you, Joe.

A year later, it was the Biarritz public who discovered the permanent danger represented by the “little guy from South Africa” as he describes himself. From his first in Top 14 with the BO, in November 2021 (33-21 defeat in Pau), to his return to the Elite with Stade Français against Bordeaux, at the beginning of September 2024 (46-26 defeat) via the Pro D2 (50 matches, 11 tries), Joe Jonas has gained momentum and continues to give a thrill with each ball catch. He should not deprive the public of Jean-Dauger for his return to the Basque Country, this Sunday, when the Parisians come (9:05 p.m.).

For his return to the capital club, the South African showed up with three seasons, 64 matches, 13 tries and 119 points scored in his legs. But also two identical injuries to the left ankle, a year apart. But more is needed to shake the lucky star that follows him. “I was born on the last day of the Year 2000 and my mother always tells me that I have some luck on my side,” confides the main person concerned. “If you want a place in the city center in August in Biarritz, you have to be with Joe,” confirms Amandine, his partner.

12 000 km

Jonas started at Glenwood High School, one of the institutions of South African rugby in the suburbs of Durban. Then he turned to Europe. As a nod to his future destiny, it was the father of the former South African scrum-half from Stade Français, James Hall, who put him in contact with his son's agent. The young versatile three-quarter then sent him videos of his performances.

“In our thoughts with my parents, arriving in Paris straight away was too big,” recalls Jonas, who is preparing to travel the 12,000 kilometers that separate Durban from the Basque Coast. We looked at the other renowned training centers and there were Bayonne and Biarritz. We saw with Matthew Clarkin for the soundtrack. But with Covid, coming just for a test was complicated. I was given a one-year contract to see. » Everyone saw.

“We became close without really interacting: he didn't speak French and my English wasn't America! »

The little friends

Upon his arrival in Biarritz and despite the first impression of competitive danger, Baptiste Fariscot and Joe Jonas quickly became friends. “We became close without really exchanging,” admits Fariscot with a smile. He didn't speak French and my English wasn't America! But we still understood each other. » They formed, with Temo Matiu, an inseparable trio. “We liked doing nothing and being bored together! », confirms the pocket winger.

Outside the stadium, Joe Jonas stayed with one of the BO's historic volunteers, Nelly Dellamaria. “We are very grateful to Nelly for being her second family,” say parents Jonas, Johnny and Dottie. It was already an incredible chance that our son, who plays 15, played in Serge Blanco's club. In our time, in our country, seeing this player on TV was important. »

When it comes to integration, the field also played its role. Between the friends from the training center (Fariscot, Erdocio, Cadot, Matiu) and the young newcomers (Renaud, Hébert), the small group found themselves joining together the pro group then in Top 14. They will also be again them – Fariscot, Cadot, Erdocio, Matiu – who will be pictured in his goodbye message to BO supporters, posted on June 24, on Instagram.

His father and Thomas Ramos

For his first jump into the Top 14 with the BO, the braided fullback had played 13 days of the championship and a Challenge match. For his second with Stade Français, he is already at 8 sheets over the 10 days played so far, and two tries. “Everyone very quickly realized its potential,” Fariscot rewinds. He tells him a lot that it’s first and foremost a game.”

A game and a kind of gift that begs to be practiced, again and again. The Stade Français staff knows this and his father has repeated it to him since childhood: “He tells me: “the more your practice, the lucky you get” (the more you practice, the more chance you have of success). Because I always have this feeling that it's falling into my hands, I need to be challenged. Less now, but still! “Keep it up,” Thomas Ramos encouraged him during the match against Stade Toulousain, in June 2022. He listened carefully.