Toulon (AFP)

Returned earlier than expected from a serious sprain, Gabin Villière, "in great shape", spoke of his atypical career, between the third division and rugby sevens, which led him to the XV of France: "I still a long way and many goals, "he told AFP.

Q: After having had ankle surgery, you started against Stade Français on Sunday, how are you feeling?

A: "In great shape. It feels good to find everyone and the grounds. Today (Tuesday, Editor's note), I was resting as a precaution because, despite everything, I shortened the deadlines. . Normally, my return was scheduled for the end of October. I gained a month. It's not bad, but you have to be careful and tell yourself that everything is not yet back to normal. "

Q: You did a lot with the Olympic Qualifying Tournament after the Top 14, then the summer tour, didn't you pull the rope too much?

Gabin Villière scores a try for the XV of France during a test match against Australia in Brisbane, July 7, 2021 Patrick HAMILTON AFP / Archives

A: "No, this injury is not due to fatigue. Of course, mentally, sometimes, it's hard. We are locked in this environment where you have to constantly be regular, efficient, work weekends. after the weekend ... But, physically, we manage to find all the ingredients for the body to recover each time. I'm starting to have routines that allow this sequence. "

Q: So you're not thinking of stopping Sevens Rugby?

A: "No. I have never been forced into anything. I have a choice and I want to. I think that it also brings me a lot. I spent two weeks with the VII and I know that , technically, I accelerated on a lot of points. It also allows to touch the ball, to see other heads and to have another training environment. "

Q: Were you able to chat with your new Fijian teammate Jiuta Wainiqolo, Olympic champion this summer?

A: "No, not yet. But I can see that it brings a lot to the players to have gone through the VII. With guys like Virimi Vakatawa at Racing 92, Jean-Pascal Barraque or Marvin O'Connor in Clermont or even Pierre Mignot in Bordeaux last year, we see that clubs are starting to take an interest in the VII sector. November, editor's note) is settling in. We realize what the VII can bring, especially to the younger generations. It develops many physical, technical and mental qualities. It is important to be aware of this and to rely on this type of game. I know that's why I'm here today. "

Gabin Villière during a Sevens rugby match against the All Blacks in Hong Kong, April 7, 2019 ISAAC LAWRENCE AFP / Archives

Q: Fabien Galthié spoke of you as a UFO ...

A: "It's nice but it's mainly because I come from Normandy and I went through nowhere to get there! It is also possible to reach this level by going off the beaten track. It was perhaps harder and longer but, in the end, this course is a source of pride. It's a good start but nothing is done: I haven't won anything yet, apart from the Fédérale 1. I still have a long way to go and goals. "

Gabin Villière with RC Toulon, during the reception of the Leicester Tigers in the Challenge Cup, September 26, 2020 NICOLAS TUCAT AFP / Archives

Q: Are you going to Perpignan on Saturday with the stated ambition to win?

A: "It's the kind of match where you have to get points. It will be hard because, in Lyon (defeat 47-3, Editor's note), they turned well to receive us properly. do not win any points away, we will stay in this soft underbelly or in the bottom of the standings. So it will be a first real test after Toulouse. We have to gain points and confidence. "

© 2021 AFP