Top 14 – Tolu Latu (La Rochelle): “I am a new man”

A few days after a surprising and worrying defeat against Vannes, what is your assessment of this match?

We were dominated physically, our execution was not good and we did not know how to be realistic. We need to work on taking our chances when we get them and we need to be sure we can impose our physicality in defense. Vannes dominated us in these areas.

There is this feeling that when you lose this season, you fall very low. This was the case in Anoeta, in Montpellier and therefore against Vannes. Is it a problem in the heads?

I don't think it's a mental problem but we need to execute our game plan when times are tough. In weak moments, we must win our touches, our scrums, our contacts, our duels. It's just execution in the important moments.

Ronan O'Gara said he should raise his voice again with some players. Did he do it?

Yes. Monday morning we had a team meeting and his message was received by the players. We must now show him that we have heard correctly by actions. Starting with this week and the first Champions Cup match.

This Champions Cup begins on Friday against Bath. Can this competition be a way to forget the problems in the championship?

It's not the way we see it but it's a way to bounce back after the poor performance against Vannes last weekend. We also want to show our supporters what team we really are. It’s an opportunity to redeem yourself but not to forget. We have learned the lesson and we know where we want to improve. We need to show it through actions and not just words.

Do you feel that the Champions Cup is a special competition in La Rochelle?

Yes, I feel it. From last season, when I arrived, I very quickly felt special support from our supporters during this Champions Cup. This competition is a big part of the history of Stade Rochelais. Having won it twice in a row is a great thing achieved by the club.

How do you deal with the fact that in the absence of Pierre Bourgarit, you have big responsibilities on the ground?

For me, it's a challenge that I'm happy to take on. I'm doing my best and I will continue to give everything for the team. Personally, I have to ensure that the conquest goes well and that I have discipline on the ground. I also of course want to make tackles and carry the ball. Do things the team needs. It’s an exciting challenge while we wait for “Burga” to return to us.

Does having some experience help you handle the pressure?

I feel like having a little more experience helps me with this challenge. I don't have a lot of pressure, it's really more of a challenge for me. Being a little older helps me know that in rugby, there are always mistakes that can be made but that despite that, you have to keep moving forward. You can improve each week by having this mindset.

When you arrived from Montpellier last season, did you expect to play so many matches?

I knew I was going to have playing time because of the rotation that was installed in the team, especially because of the Champions Cup matches. But I couldn't see the future and see myself playing that many matches to be honest. I am very happy with my playing time and even the time I had at the start of the season, when there was “Bourga” with Quentin Lespiaucq and me. Having three good hookers allows La Rochelle to always perform well and this competition helps them work harder and be better.

Do you have the feeling that we are finally talking about you for your performances on the field, more than for your problems off it?

I think that's just what the club creates by supporting its players on and off the pitch. Helping me and my family settle in La Rochelle made things very easy. In just one week, I was able to easily move to La Rochelle and the transition was very simple. So when it came time for rugby, I was focused on rugby and when it was over, I had time for my family. The club has helped me a lot off the pitch, as has the group of players. Many have been very helpful.

A few months ago, the president of Stade Français Hans-Pieter Wild declared that you had “a problem with alcohol”. What about it?

It was a dark time in my career. I regret it. I've made decisions that I'm not proud of. It will always stick with me but I will not let it define who I am as a person. I need to continue to perform with La Rochelle and do my job. The club helps me off the pitch with things like that.

How did you react to this statement?

I was a little angry that it was said like that, in public. Blaming a player like that… I know I made bad decisions but I think he could have expressed it in a different way. He could have told me to my face rather than coming out publicly.

How are you trying to get out of this situation?

I had help outside the club and La Rochelle then helped me. I just want to focus on myself and my family and make sure I don't make the same mistakes.

Your indiscipline on the field has also been singled out. But since you arrived in La Rochelle, you haven't picked up a single box. Are you proud of this?

I'm not really, “proud”. I just make better decisions on the field. The staff helped me with that. I've often been over the limit and picked up yellow cards but that's something I'm focusing on.

Have you experienced a rebirth in La Rochelle?

As a person, I am a new man. As a father, I have to be an example to my two boys and if I make stupid decisions, it doesn't just affect me. It also affects my partner and my two children. It's not just me anymore, it's much bigger than me.