Fulgence Ouedraogo will live his last match in the stands.
Those of the Stade de France since the international third line of Montpellier (35 years old, 39 selections) does not appear on the score sheet for the final of the Top 14 against Castres Olympique this Friday evening.
A heartbreak for Philippe Saint-André who spoke at length about the case of his emblematic player (18 seasons at the MHR) Thursday at a press conference.
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Fixtures and Top 14 results
Ranking Top 14
“
Of course it was a complex, difficult choice.
I love my players, people are important, but I'm also here to make the best team and win matches, explained the MHR manager.
Sportingly, at the third row position, that's where I have the most competition and no injuries.
I scratched my head, thought about a six-forward bench to make room for him but, on a long season like this, I think 5-3
(5 forwards, 3 backs)
is more suited…' 'Fufu' is a lord of rugby, always precise in training, very important for the locker room.
It wasn't the most enjoyable interview I've had in my career.
He took it upon himself…
”
“I am very disappointed, dejected.
It's not the end I imagined, the final I dreamed of.
»
Fulgence Ouedraogo
Questioned by the Midi Libre, Fulgence Ouedraogo, who had been carried in triumph by his teammates after the victory against Bordeaux-Bègles (19-10) in the semi-final, confirmed the immense disappointment felt.
“
It's a shared feeling.
I am very disappointed, dejected.
It's not the end I imagined, the final I dreamed of.
But you have to know how to put your disappointment aside for the good of the team…
”He will therefore have played his 340th and last match in the MHR jersey on May 21 against Racing 92.
Read alsoTop 14: Saint-André chased away his dark thoughts in Montpellier
The explanations given, PSA returned to the career of his player.
“
Fulgence is exemplary in everything, his training, his professionalism, right to the end.
He is the guarantor of a locker room.
He brings positive energy to the group.
Those who have the jersey play for him because they realize that they are privileged.
Those who are grumpy not to see their name have there an example of a guy who has made a career only in a club, a champion, who has been international and who is beyond reproach.
He always asked the guys outside the group to be positive so he was not going to be, him, the day he did not play…
”
Before revealing the continuation of the story between the MHR and its emblematic player.
“
It's not an end for him at the club, he will stay as an ambassador, ensure the link with the clubs and associations around, a very important role in the transmission.
»
