Como’s crazy journey, today at Leicester

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It’s the story of a kid who, when young, was made fun of by kids his age at school. Rugby was ultimately an escape for the Paris native, his physique being perceived as “interesting”. Como Joussain rose through the ranks, from Espoirs to Stade Français, then professionally to Carcassonne. Adventure abroad has always interested him: since the start of the season, he has been playing Leicester Tigerslegendary club in England. At the time of Rugby encountered him, and we must recognize that his story is not trivial.

From Paris to Paris, via Dax

Côme Joussain is a real “Titi Parisien”. Born in the capital, the vagaries of life meant that he lived for a time near Dax. He signed his first license at the USD, at the age of 7. “I was a big baby. I needed to be channeled, and I liked rugby,” says Côme.

“I was this fat kid, who had no self-confidence, no friends, made fun of at school. But when I got to rugby, being big, the kids were happy because I had a use,” he explains when talking about his first steps in the oval world.

Barely a year after his debut, he returned to Paris, the city he cherished so much. “I love Paris like no other, it’s in my blood,” he says. And rugby, he decided to pursue it at the Stade Français, at a time when the key players of the first team were Sergio Parisse, Sylvain Marconnet and Julien Dupuy.

Hopes at Stade Français

At the Stade Français, Como continues the categories. Until becoming Hopes. “I did my first year in Espoirs, I had a great relationship with Pascal Papé (coach, editor’s note) who taught me some of the tricks of the position, and in fact, I joined the pros,” says the second row.

January 11, 2020 is the consecration: first professional match against Zebre in the Challenge Cup. The following week, Côme Joussain was lined up again, this time against Brive, still in the European competition. 40 minutes of happiness in all, which ultimately had no continuation under the Parisian colors for the second row.

In the summer of 2021, Stade Français will not keep it. A disappointment, obviously. “I took a slap in the face when I left: if I could have signed a 20-year contract at Stade Français, I would have done so.” But Como does not keep a scar.

I could be bitter, but I know the reason for this departure. When I was there, I didn’t necessarily do things in the right order to put myself in the right conditions to compete with the guys in the first team.

A situation that Côme relied on to make it a strength: “I needed this course to learn real life, and the values ​​of humility and work. »

Shoulder injury

A strength also forged due to a very serious injury to a nerve at the base of the neck, shortly after playing his first two professional matches. “That was hard to live with. It hurt me,” the person remembers, his eyes vacant.

He takes the time to tell us: “I had lost control from the tip of a finger to the root of my neck. It lasted for months and months, we couldn’t even estimate the length of absence. I went through some really low moments. I was accompanied by the club, but in everyday life I was alone, I spent very special nights.”

Côme was only 19 years old at the time: “One day, I took a shower, I put the jet on my arm: I felt pain, as if I had been stabbed. I collapsed, I was alone in my bathroom crying.” Sensitivity finally returned, after very long months. “It came back, but this episode taught me about life,” assures Côme Joussain.

Sami Mavinga shows him the way

After Paris, direction Carcassonne. Another world. And a reunion. That of Sammy Mavingawhich Como experienced at the Stade Français. The pillar often mentions England to him, after spending two years at Newcastle.

“I spent a lot of nights at his house, he cooked for me and he talked to me about England and told me that I would like this or that thing.” The idea germinated in the mind of Côme Joussain, who for years already had the intention of one day trying the adventure abroad. “I have always been surprised that few French rugby players have this desire,” notes Joussain.

In his private life, at the same time, Côme sees his partner, English, finish her university career. A reflection is necessary. The discussions continue. The second row then decides to take the plunge, earlier than expected: towards England, despite a contract extension proposed by Carcassonne, then relegated to the National.

I thought this move abroad would come later. I saw a rise to Pro D2, then Top 14. Now, I’m happy that it happened so soon. It gave me balance, both on a sporting level and in my private life. I’m glad I have this frame, because I haven’t had it my whole life. Being here allows me to reconcile all of that.

Direction Leicester

Across the Channel, Côme Joussain is offered a short term deal (3 month contract) by Leicester. “In France, we don’t do that too much: here, it’s common, it’s a kind of test.” He carries out all the off-season physical preparation, and if his profile appeals, the Tigers managers suggest that he instead have playing time at Nottingham, a club attached to Leicester, in order to follow his progress.

“I said OK. The English have a certain mentality: they prefer to make you play in a partner club so that you don’t stay without rhythm. You can be at Leicester during the week and play at Nottingham at the weekend. I find that really good: you don’t lose your rugby, and you are ready straight away if the flagship team calls on you. This helps you accept, get to work and gauge whether you are progressing.”

Côme Joussain recognizes that this situation was “a hell of a gamble” for him. A bet that ultimately won. During the 2023-2024 financial year, the native of Paris plays 21 matches, including 20 as a starter. And in the end, he seduced the leaders of Leicester, who kept him.

Alongside Leicester’s landmarks

During the summer of 2024, Côme Joussain participates in the preparation in Portugal. Around him Dan Cole, Ben Youngs, Anthony Watson, Mike Brown, Freddie Stewart, George Martin and Ollie Chessum. “You go from day 1 where you tease the players, they say to themselves “but who is this guy”, and after 3 days, they take you under their wings. They have an ethic, a work force that I had never seen before. Here, you have a duty to win, when you win it’s normal, but if you lose it’s the end of the world. It fits what I needed.”

During the opening of the Premiership (he is the only Frenchman to play there this season, Editor’s note), Como appears on the scoresheet for the trip to Exeter. “I’m sitting on the bench. Ben Youngs said to me: “When you come in, I want you to act like this in the rucks”. Dan Cole following: “When you’re behind me, I want you to push like this.” It was incredible.” Result: victory at 82^e minute (14-17). “To show that I could perform, it was crazy. It makes me grow, and it shows me what it takes to tickle them.”

Côme Joussain played the first 4 league matches with Leicester. But keep your feet on the ground. “My satisfaction is enormous, of course. But I don’t want to be satisfied with that. I think I can do even better. I am aware of my place in the group, I am the little Frenchman, but they trust me.” Also aware of the competition with Chessum, Martin or Wells. “She will help me progress. I’m growing in this club, it’s pulling me up.”

I would like to stay in England for the long term, even if I don’t close any doors. Right now, I see myself here for a while longer because it’s what I need. Going to England was to give me a framework.

The history of Como is atypical. But strong with great morals. “My journey taught me the values ​​of humility, work and knowing how to keep my mouth shut, which I didn’t have when I was younger. I think I fell into the best club for that. Leicester is a club of very few words: “shut up, work and earn your chance”. I needed that.”

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