For Romain Ntamack, the XV of France, it's a story that begins to go back quite a long time. Because he was deprived of the World Cup and the 2024 6 Nations tournament, the Stade Toulousain flyhalf also gave up the last autumn tour due to a new injury. But now that the 6 Nations 2025 is getting closer, we imagine that he hopes to be able to apply.
In a long interview with L'Equipe, the flyhalf does not hide his impatience at the idea of wearing the Blue jersey, this last missed tour having nevertheless been a strong disillusionment.
It's starting to get a little long. Very long even. I had checked the November tour this year as my goal for the start of the season. Getting injured two weeks before the rally was a blow to my head. It was even a setback (…) Watching them again on television weighed on me (…) So I checked the next Tournament as a priority objective (…) There, I can tell you that I feel a lack. I can't wait to rediscover this pride, these emotions of wearing the blue jersey.
“I had the feeling of not being forgotten”
At least, the objective is clearly assumed, and the message has very clearly passed to Fabien Galthié who, as we suspect, follows the Toulouse man very closely. And if he had been on the tour, it would have avoided numerous debates between Thomas Ramos and Matthieu Jalibert, a debate on which Romain Ntamack did not want to dwell too much. He has nothing to do with the ousting of the Bordeaux player and does not want to waste his time with his controversies, especially since Thomas Ramos was extraordinary in 10.
Today, Romain Ntamack is focusing on himself and his clearly stated objectives: returning to the France group. “I can't wait to receive a call telling me that I am included in the group, to see my name on a summons again. I have the feeling that I will be like a kid who goes to Marcoussis for the first time in his career”adds the player. How can we not believe it, but we still have to get into the plans of the coach and the staff of the Blues.
No one has too many doubts about this, especially when the player himself indicates that he remained in contact with this staff even during the tour. Despite this, Romain Ntamack keeps his feet on the ground and knows that everything can happen quickly. And there is a certain Thomas Ramos who may have reshuffled the cards a little in the hierarchy (and let's not forget Matthieu Jalibert, who remains a player in the group).
By calling me from time to time to check on the news, to discuss the game plan, I felt involved. This is why I have always considered myself a member of this team. I kept my confidence. I had the feeling of not being forgotten. On the other hand, this in no way guarantees me a place in the group. It's up to me to prove myself every weekend (…) I don't consider myself the number 1 fly-half for the Blues. I have to prove everything again (…) If I am back for the Tournament, the staff will make their choices.
To summarize
For Romain Ntamack, the XV of France, it's a story that begins to go back quite a long time. The Toulousain does not hide his eagerness to return to the selection, and his love for the XV of France. Staying in touch with the staff has given him confidence, but he knows that nothing is taken for granted.
