In a recent interview with RMC, ASM coach Christophe Urios delivered his unfiltered analysis of the current domination of Stade Toulousain.
It is the only club in France which has a real club identity.
Faithful to his direct and colorful style, the former UBB manager did not fail to salute the work carried out by the Rouge et Noir, while reminding that their success should not be an excuse to give up.
Stade Toulousain, a source of inspiration for all
For Urios, Stade Toulousain is undeniably a “locomotive“French rugby.”So to follow or not? Everyone does what they want“, he nevertheless qualifies. He recognizes that this domination is based above all on long-term work, particularly in terms of training: “They have a lot of very good young players. It is the fruit of long-term work, of an identity, of a concept, which is entirely to their credit.“With a large workforce and a solid structure, Toulouse embodies, according to him, a model that is both inspiring and formidable.
Toulouse, an example… but not untouchable
Christophe Urios does not hide his admiration for the ability of Stade Toulousain to reinvent itself. He recalls that the Rouge et Noir experienced difficult periods, particularly between 2015 and 2019: “They were at the bottom of the bowl anyway and they knew how to get up.“A resilience that commands respect, especially since it resulted in titles and game quality that were unanimously praised. “Rather than saying 'Damn, it sucks that Toulouse wins everything', the challenge is to bring them down“, asserts Urios, always ready to take on challenges.
A strong identity, but not eternal supremacy
If Urios praises Stade Toulousain for its unique identity in France, he does not fail to remind us that this success is not the result of chance, nor an absolute truth: “So yes, sometimes you have to tell them things anyway! They didn't invent rugby! It's a bit like when you talk about wine in Bordeaux, but there is still room for others!“A way of reminding us that each club, even with resources that are not those of the Stadium, can find its way by drawing inspiration from the best.
A call to action for Clermont
For Clermont and other clubs, Urios sees this domination as an opportunity for progression. “We don't have the same means, not the same structures, not the same landscape, but in all cases, it's a great challenge“, he confides. The Clermontois coach thus invites us to overcome frustrations to build solid foundations, like what Toulouse did. A positive outlook that will resonate with anyone looking to compete with the championship leaders.
Between homage and challenge, Christophe Urios' words remind us that admiring the best does not mean accepting them as invincible. And as he points out so well, “there is room for others” – provided that they give themselves the means. Clermont and the other clubs are warned: the Toulouse locomotive is a model, but nothing prevents us from catching up… or overtaking it.
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