Paris (AFP)

Charles Ollivon, captain of the XV of France, who resumed training with his club RC Toulon, "hopes soon" to find the Blues, in particular to complete the Six Nations Tournament.

Q: Was it complicated to go from the Six Nations Tournament to containment?

A: "The World Cup at the end of 2019, the Tournament at the beginning of 2020 ... it was very intense periods: the confinement allowed to regenerate, to take a step back on all that was We practiced, a lot happened, we had to adapt and try to see the positive. "

Q: What do you remember from this truncated tournament?

A: "A lot of positive things. You have to stay humble and know where you started from this first internship in Nice (in January). We managed to validate a lot of things on the sporting aspect. Outside too. We managed to create this group which was very important for all the work we had to put in place during the Tournament. "

Q: Raphaël Ibanez spoke of a 'selection which becomes a team'. Do you share this observation?

A: "Of course. We quickly felt that something was being created. In Nice, we were able to create strong ties: we no longer felt like we were part of a selection, a group of friends , as if we were in a club. There was a certain osmosis and that allowed us to really make good performances. Without that, I don't know if we would have succeeded in doing what we did. "

Q: How important is this internship?

A: "It was the beginning of a story. A little revival. It's the French team, we want to be part of it. Everyone had a lot of good will. I also believe that There are things that cannot be explained. We have affinities that are created, we are all going to pull in the same direction and that allowed us to create a team. Since then, we have kept in touch, we have exchanged. is a good thing, I hope we will meet soon. "

Q: There was this raclette party in a chalet, where cell phones were prohibited ...

A: "This one ... You do well to talk about it! This is an important moment: everyone has only good memories of it. These are the kind of moments that make it possible to switch to a big week of training and being able to come out with a big game against the English. "

Q: How did you experience your role as captain?

A: "The XV of France is a bit like the Grail. For me, it was an immense pride to be the captain. I threw myself into the function fairly quickly. I was surrounded by leaders who m "helped a lot. Things happened very naturally, with a lot of transparency. I haven't changed. I was briefed a bit about the pressure it could cause, anything that could happen. I am very proud , it was a real opportunity and a real privilege. "

Q: Do you want to continue?

A: "(firm) We are still talking about the France team. This is the highest level for a rugby player, who brings together millions of French people. Of course I want to continue being part of this team. It's so obvious to me ... "

Q: Were you frustrated not to face Ireland?

A: "We were on a good dynamic, with three matches won, with always the desire, the possibility of winning the Tournament. Honestly, at the time, we were really disappointed not to be able to play this last match which would have allowed us to start again from the front. There's no point in rehashing, you have to focus on what you can control. We had to adapt to what happened. But we hope to play well and be able to finish the Tournament. "

Q: Did you feel the enthusiasm of the supporters?

A: "It was incredible: in Cardiff, we felt like we were in France, in a stadium we didn't know but where there were only French people. One of the strongest moments. Scotland, I just had never seen that: I don't know how long it took from the entrance to the parking lot, there were so many supporters, people on several meters in height. It was incredible, the atmosphere around the stadium, inside ... The momentum was impressive, it pushed us, it made us feel great. "

Interview by Nicholas Mc ANALLY

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