Excited after the big victory won against Aviron Bayonnais, the French international center Arthur Vincent measured the progress made over the past few months, between a chaotic last season and a sluggish start to the year. The center, who was also experiencing his hundredth match with the MHR, did not hide his joy at seeing his favorite club back at the top of the table.
It's been a long time since Montpellier returned to the top 5 of the championship (after La Rochelle's victory, the MHR moved back to sixth place, Editor's note.)…
It's clear ! That’s definitely what we’re looking for. As you say, it's been a while since we've been able to have this kind of feeling. So, it's just awesome. It's great to be able to experience this kind of moment together, the whole group, staff included, the 40 guys, etc. So, it’s really nice, this evening, we’re really happy.
What did the staff insist on this week to capitalize on this victory in Clermont?
We had studied Bayonne's game well, we tried to see the opportunities, what could work. It was essential to follow up and validate this victory in Clermont. So, we knew that it was a match that was extremely important, that could potentially change the season for us.
Tonight, you allow yourself to dream about the top 6 again. Is that something you talk about among yourselves?
It is rather up to you, today, to say that you can, but it is still too early. For us, it's a dream. We are well placed, I think, to know that it has been really complicated for two years. So, no, you have to be very realistic, you have to, of course, also be competitive. We play the Top 14 for that, to necessarily aim for the high table. We have to stay really humble, not get carried away, because from one weekend to another, it goes so quickly… And it doesn't just depend on us.
It was your hundredth in the MHR jersey, what does that represent?
Quite a few things… It's a real source of pride, especially with this group, with what we've been through and how we are, little by little, getting back on track. This may remain anecdotal, but I had been potentially calculating the arrival of this day for several months.
That's a lot of events in a short time for you, after the birth of your child…
Emotionally, it's strong. No, it's clear, these are great moments, I'm happy to experience them.
You have been through all the states with this club for several years. When playing your hundredth match, does that add a special flavor?
Downright. Everything we are experiencing today is exactly why I stayed. This project was close to my heart, this identity, etc. Little by little, I have the impression that we are moving in this direction. It’s clear that it has an even more special flavor and that’s why I stayed in Montpellier.
What does this new staff bring you? How did he manage to realign the planets?
Good question! But it’s clear that they carried us. You don't have to be born in Montpellier to be Montpellier and I think it's really special to play for this club. I find that this staff has extra soul. It’s something that’s nice, that’s important to us and surely they bring it too. They have experience, they know the club well too. Everyone contributes their stone to the building. And I have the feeling that all the staff are really united, and we are around them.
