Romain Ntamack is happy with his year 2024, even if he talks about a “little disappointment” for the November tour. Understandable disappointment when we know the number of deadlines that the Stade Toulousain opener has already missed due to injuries. “It will still be a good year”said the French international.
If Romain Ntamack had been able to take part in the November tour, there would undoubtedly not have been so much commotion and controversy concerning the position of opener, Fabien Galthié's preference having been towards Thomas Ramos rather than Matthieu Jalibert. This choice was understood by many, criticized by others, in particular because Thomas Ramos admitted preferring to play in 15. Throughout the tour, echoes said that Matthieu Jalibert, knowing he was a reserve for the clash against New Zealand , had asked to leave the group. The Bordeaux player indicates for his part that having mentioned discomfort to his coach for different reasons, the latter would have suggested that he leave the group.
“It’s not up to me to judge his performances”
Asked by L'Equipe about this hierarchy of openers in his absence, Romain Ntamack gave a response which revealed a certain weariness of seeing that this comparison between him and his Bordeaux counterpart is still as vivid as ever. The Toulouse man does not feel absolutely concerned by what may have happened on the last autumn tour and absolutely does not want to judge the performances of Matthieu Jalibert or settle a debate between him and Thomas Ramos. He has clearly had enough of these incessant debates.
I haven't been here for a year and a half and logic would have dictated that he would take over. He had the opportunity to do it. It's not up to me to judge his performances. If the staff preferred Thomas in the last matches, I have nothing to do with it. It's a shame that the debate is still centered on Ntamack-Jalibert when, during the November Tour, Thomas was very good and became number 1 in the position.
To summarize
Romain Ntamack is happy with his year 2024, even if he speaks of a “little disappointment” for the November tour. If he had been present on this tour, many debates regarding openers would undoubtedly have been avoided. The player also returned to this controversy which pitted Thomas Ramos against Matthieu Jalibert, not hiding a certain weariness at the idea of always seeing himself compared to the Bordeaux player.
