« When “UJ” is in full possession of his means, I am a better coach. » Rémi Talès, in charge of the three-quarters of La Rochelle, must therefore cross his fingers that Ulupano Junior Seuteni can continue for as long as possible. While Teddy Thomas, a revelation with number 13, has just received a four-week suspension and Jonathan Danty will be absent for two months, according to our colleagues from “L'Équipe”, after having undergone meniscus surgery. , the Samoan international (14 caps, 31 years old, 1.85 m, 100 kg) will be more than ever the leader of the maritime attack line. This, while in January, La Rochelle receives Toulouse then Leinster before traveling to Treviso and Toulon…
The advantage is that, from now on, “UJ” – pronounced “ugé” – is no longer afraid to speak in a group. Arriving in Charente-Maritime in 2022, after four seasons at UBB, he was previously renowned as much for his technical and physical qualities as for his shyness. That has changed, and we can attest to that. At the beginning of October, it was in French and voluble that he launched our individual interview. Not hesitating to joke about an adductor injury sustained against Lyon: “I'm not used to going so fast. »
Dad and thirty-something
It was false, of course, but his mutation is real. His age has something to do with it, he who joined the thirty-year-old club in 2023. “Physically, it’s not the same anymore, it takes a little more time to recover (smile). It also reminds me of the experience I can pass on. When I was young, others gave me advice. I was shy, I didn't talk much, but I was 20 years old and looking for help. I know what young people feel, so I go to them. »
“When he’s on a big night, strangely, the team is different”
His fatherhood – he recently had a second child – also played a role. At the Stadium, first. “I think it’s the first club I’ve been to where there are so many children,” he emphasizes, in English this time. It's good that the coaches have them too, there's a good relationship, it helps to feel like you're in a family club and to break the ice with others. It's really nice. » At school, then. “I have to talk to the other parents…” he laughed.
This change in status has also curbed a certain desire for movement and discovery, and the desire to commit to the club until 2028: “My daughter loves her school, her friends. I can't imagine making him give that up. That’s a bonus, especially since it’s a beautiful city. It was an easy decision to make. »
And then, being a father “gives you a better outlook on life. I feel a lot calmer on the pitch, because you can't really stress about rugby when there are more important things. You have to take care of your family. Having children makes you want to be a good example. I want to show them that they can achieve anything they want in life and that's what I'm trying to do now. »
“Stay consistent”
In a gloomy La Rochelle season, he is also an example for his partners. “He’s been with us for several seasons and he’s one of the best players on the team. He brings a lot of uncertainty, he wins all his duels. He is capable of playing after contact, before contact. When he’s on a big night, strangely, the team is different,” judges Grégory Alldritt. “He’s our X factor, he manages to bring everyone with him. There are few players like him today in the professional world,” adds Rémi Talès.
“I wasn't happy with my last season, I have a lot to prove to everyone”
We were particularly able to see this in Toulouse, during the first leg against a French champion who has no shortage of profiles of his type. In two flashes, and two “offloads”, he had offered Teddy Thomas the opportunity to admire his qualities and score a double. “It was an incredible week for us,” remembers Seuteni. We had worked on the combinations, the defense, the attack… I knew what I wanted to do, that Teddy would be in certain spaces. Rémi always tells us that we have to play to the strengths of others…”
His appear even more so in the off-season, “I saw a nutritionist who really helped me. I was probably in the best state I had ever been in. It was a very good start, which the preseason improved. I wasn't happy with my last season. I have a lot to prove to everyone and I'm trying to make sure it doesn't happen again, to stay consistent. Ronan (O'Gara) always told us that we have one of the best packs in the Top 14, but that it was time for the backs to show that they are there. It's time for us to raise our hands. » This has been his case since August, and not just to address his subtle passes after contact.
