Q: Between Top 14 and European Cup, it's not too complicated to play on two tables?

A: "It's hard. For us, as a team and for the club, it's the first time. Last year, we certainly played the European Challenge but we were not in the front row in Top 14. This year, we are in contention in both competitions and it's pretty cool. I'm having a blast, it makes it all very intense. That's where we understand that the big teams, like Toulouse, who achieve it, do it thanks to the depth of their bench. Despite all our injuries, we are still in the race so anything can happen."

Q: How did you prepare for this quarter-final?

A: "Differently! The French love the Top 14, they would rather win a Brennus than a World Cup, I think! But playing a European Cup is really exciting for the club: you guys would see, it's a new experience for everyone. We have the opportunity to mark the history of the club and to highlight it. The MHR has always been a very competitive team in France but unfortunately not in Europe. We are 80 minutes away from reaching a European Cup semi-final and that's huge."

Q: How do you analyze La Rochelle's game?

A: "We are expecting a very physical match and with Ronan (O'Gara, editor's note) at the head of the team, we know that their kicking game will be particularly effective. They will be enormous, with (Levani) Botia and (Jonathan) Danty who are probably two of the strongest players in the world. It bodes well for a good fight. And like any game at stake, we will see which team plays the smartest, in the way of a game of chess. We will have to respond physically, if we can't do it, we have no chance. We have some plans in our pocket, it will be interesting."

Q: After two seasons, you are leaving the MHR.

What state of mind are you in?

A: "My only goal is to win a trophy with Montpellier. My time here was frustrating, first because of the Covid, then because of my knee injury (in September 2020, editor's note) and other health issues. I haven't been able to weigh enough in the club and play as well as I would have liked. It's not as if I owe anything to the MHR but I want to leave on a good note. So if we can win a trophy, it will be perfect. That's the goal, it's not going to be easy but we believe in it."

Q: What do you expect from your move to Leicester?

A: "Already, in terms of the weather, it will change! My wife and I had a long discussion about our future. In France, there have been ups and downs and the Covid, unfortunately, has not We didn't get to enjoy it as much as we wanted to. We talked and I said to him 'I feel like I can still learn: I'm in my best years'. I wanted to join a club to keep learning. Leicester are a growing club, they're going to be competitive in England and in Europe. It's exciting."

Interview by Illtud DAFFYD

© 2022 AFP