Shock.
It is "for cardiological reasons" that the center of Racing 92 and the XV of France Virimi Vakatawa must put an end to his career, at 30 years old and after 32 selections with the Blues.
“A heart abnormality had been detected before the 2019 World Cup in Japan.
This anomaly, which is not linked to rugby, has been monitored but it is an evolving pathology, ”explained Racing 92 doctor Sylvain Blanchard at a press conference on Tuesday.
💙 @vvakatawa pic.twitter.com/e0Gq0H0ERk
— Racing 92 (@racing92) September 6, 2022
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The announcement, the day before, of this end of career as premature as it was unexpected had the effect of a bomb.
For French rugby in general, for Racing in particular.
“It's hard for me to speak.
This morning, I got up at 8 a.m. and I knew that I would not be on the field with the others, said Vakatawa, surrounded by its president Jacky Lorenzetti, its trainer Laurent Travers and the coach of the XV of France Fabien Galthié.
But the hardest part was yesterday: when I had to announce to my teammates that I had to stop.
I spent a lot of time with them on the field, outside… It's not easy.
»
By his side, Fabien Galthié also had tremolos in his voice.
“Virimi has made many children dream.
He was a key player in our adventure, in our history and a great man.
What he is currently experiencing, he can share, he can continue to be an example and tell the children "enjoy".
He still has a lot to share, ”added the boss of the Blues.
Last match with the XV of France
Vakatawa should also stay close to the rugby pitches.
It is in any case his wish and that of Racing.
“He is a child of the club, he has been with us for eleven years.
The club is not going to let him down,” assured Lorenzetti, who explained that he “almost lost a son”.
“He is still there, he will be present on the edges of the pitch: instead of being an actor, he will do something else but he will remain on the edge of the pitch.
His life is rugby, it's Racing 92. We will make sure to accompany him, that he always has his colors for which he has given so much, ”added coach Laurent Travers.
Vakatawa's last match, three-quarter center with fire support, will therefore remain a victory in Japan (20-15) with the XV of France on July 9 at the Olympic Stadium in Tokyo.
Brilliant player, shy man, Vakatawa arrived in France at 17 years old.
In total, he will have played 145 matches with Ciel et Blanc, including 38 in the European Cup, scoring 49 tries.
A time considered the best center in the world, he also participated in the Rio Olympics with the VII of France.
His career therefore officially ended on September 5.
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