the essential
In Bayonne on Saturday December 27 (4 p.m.), Gauthier Doubrère will have his first start with Castres Olympique since April. A reward for the scrum half with impeccable involvement despite poor playing time.
He himself had fun with the situation, arriving at a pre-match press briefing this Thursday. “I don’t come here often, it’s weird,” said Gauthier Doubrère. It should have been his second, third time perhaps, since he set down his bags in Castres, in the summer of 2022. Because number 9 is not the player who gets the most attention. Rather the one who remains in the shadows, and whose tenures can be counted on the fingers of their hands. “He's the only player at the back who hasn't started a match. But he's always had very, very good starts, especially against Montpellier,” greets his three-quarter coach Xavier Sadourny.
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Saturday in Bayonne, the Gersois will begin a meeting with the CO for the ninth time, the first of the season, and the first since April 5 (in Gloucester, in the round of 16 of the Challenge Cup). And Doubrère's smile reflected this joy and this overflowing desire to set foot on Jean-Dauger's lawn: “I'm going to give all the energy I have because, since I haven't played much, I have accumulated.”
“Don’t feel sorry for myself”
Since the beginning of September, the former Montois has had to be content with a meager playing time (62 minutes), behind the two indestructible Santiago Arata and Jérémy Fernandez. “It’s difficult to manage mentally, admits the scrum-half. I experienced that during my last season in Biarritz (2020/2021, editor’s note). But it’s the high level, and I remain 100% involved. .”
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It is also one of the things, in addition to its pleasant character, which is appreciated among the Bassouais. Many players say they are impressed by his ability to maintain a high level of investment, rarely having the carrot of the match at the end of the week. “I always give my all because I can't get down on myself. It's pointless to show off. The more you do it, the more you give up, the less efficient you are, and the less you bring to the table. team”, says Doubrère, always there to help out during training in order to work on his kicking game or help others work on a technical aspect.
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For the Gersois, returning to the Top 14 two years ago was already “a chance”, after having scrapped in Pro D2 for four seasons. And his team spirit, which he says he has had in his heart since “his training in Auch”, manifested itself a little more during the Champions Cup weekends, where we saw Doubrère on the field, but in quality of water carrier. “I haven't seen many players do that, applauds CO captain Mathieu Babillot. I thanked him each time. Beyond bringing water, he gives a few instructions and above all, he shows that he doesn't give up, he helps the team.”
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A way to be closer to your teammates, instead of sitting in the stands. “The staff offered it to me at Northampton, and I said yes. I liked it and I started again against Munster. It's nice because I can talk with the guys, share things that I “I noticed it myself in the game. And by having the headset, I also hear what the coaches are saying, it's very interesting. If I'm not playing, I might as well go on the field that way”, appreciates. number 9. But he will not be disappointed to take on another role on Saturday.
