Aviron Bayonnais: Lucas Martin, a future and already a present as a hooker

He was set to be third choice, with diamond status to be polished. Finally, he finds himself almost 1-bis in the position of hooker at Rowing Bayonnais. Lucas Martin (22 years old) arrived this summer from Provence Rugby, will be holder this Sunday at Jean-Dauger on the occasion of the Gloucester receptionfor the last Challenge Cup group match. A 14th match this season, the sixth as a starter, for a boy who takes advantage of the ups and downs of a season, between injuries and opportunities, to confirm all the hopes placed in him, and not only that. In fact, Rowing had paid a sum of around 250,000 euros to secure the services of the young player.

The main person concerned does not hide his satisfaction with his successful integration into the Aviron Bayonnais squad. Arrived from Provence, where he played in Pro D2he quickly took stock of the requirements of the Top 14. “I knew it would take time to adapt, but I wanted to prove that I could perform. Every time I have playing time, I try to give my best”he explains with determination.

A worthy start to the season praised by his manager

He admits, we had to adapt to the gap, particularly on the European scene. “On the first match against the Scarlets in the Challenge Cup, in December (won 17-16), I felt that the pace was much higher, but that's exactly what I was looking for. This motivates me even more to progress.” This desire to do well quickly won over the staff, who placed growing trust in him.

Grégory Patat, manager of Aviron Bayonnais, is closely following the development of his young hooker. “Lucas is a promising player, but we had to make him grow with well-balanced playing time”he confides. Vincent Giudicelli's injury in November reshuffled the cards, giving Martin the opportunity to expand his experience. “He is gaining in consistency, especially on his throws into touch, and is gaining confidence on the field. He had other benchmarks to Aixbut it is starting to find its feet in our system. It's very positive.”continues the technician. The latter also emphasizes the combative character of the young player: “Lucas thrived on every minute he was given, and he works behind the scenes with exemplary regularity.”

A measured and lucid ambition… up to the Blues?

Despite the arrival of Torsten Van Jaarsveld (broken forearm in Tbilisi), as Giudicelli's joker, Patat was able to protect his player's progress. “I didn't want him to feel like he was in direct competition with an experienced player. Lucas had to play a clear role, and he knew how to take advantage of it. With Facu (Bosch, NDLR) we found a nice balance in this position. Lucas continues to progress and work in the shadows. He was able to live up to expectations, and that’s what’s most encouraging.”

Aware of the expectations weighing on him, Lucas Martin approaches his future with serenity. “Before thinking about anything else, we must first perform well here. Being a starter in the Top 14 is already an important step”he admits. Despite persistent rumors which send Camille Chat (dismissed from Racing and who has just bounced back to Lyon) next summer to Aviron Bayonnais, the young Provençal remains focused. “We hear a lot of things, but the most important thing is to stay focused on the pitch and on my performances. I want to help the team as much as possible, and good collective and individual performances will come with work”he concludes. Enough to embody the future of Bayonne rugby, while waiting for a future in Blue?

“Of course, one day playing in French team is a dream. But it goes through stages. You must first be a club starter, be good, and help the team achieve its goals. If these steps are completed, the rest will come as a reward for the work accomplished. It's a long-term goal. I keep my feet on the ground.” quietly evokes the player who has French internationals Peato Mauvaka and Irish Dan Sheehan as models. And why not this summer, during the tour in New Zealand, more conducive to a squad review, with the absence of the Top 14 finalists.