Happy ending.
At the end of his contract with the LOU and seriously injured in both knees in November 2021, Mathieu Bastareaud will play one last season in the Top 14. The RCT announced on Thursday that he had officially signed up for a season.
A return to the club with which he had won three European titles (2013, 2014, 2015) and a title of champion of France (2014).
To discover
Schedule and Top 14 results
Ranking Top 14
For three months, the former captain of the XV of France (34 years old, 54 selections) carried out his re-athletics with the Var club.
Who also gave him very thorough medical examinations to determine if his body was capable of holding a Top 14 season. “
After more than three months of intensive preparation, Mathieu (Bastareaud) received the approval of the medical staff and sporty
”, rejoices the press release.
Adding that he "
showed unparalleled courage and willpower to heal himself and then to regain his athletic qualities
".
Read alsoNo Monsieur Maynadier!
Journalists are not pianist groupies
“
Mathieu has shown exceptional self-sacrifice in rediscovering his physical abilities, which are his strength.
In addition to all the qualities that we know of him, Mathieu will bring his experience and his leadership to the group and thus be one of the leaders who reassure and guide the team.
We are delighted to have him among us and we want to offer him the end of the career he deserves
,” added the president of the RCT, Bernard Lemaitre.
In the field on Sunday evening against Clermont?
“
I am very happy to officially sign a new contract with the RCT, confided the person concerned.
I would like to thank the medical teams, the staffs and the players who have supported me over the past few months and who have welcomed me here with open arms.
I would also like to thank my family circle without whom I would not have had the mental strength to bounce back and get back on the pitch today.
From now on, I have only one objective in mind, that of having fun and offering it to all the Rouge & Noir supporters.
»
In addition, Mathieu Bastareaud, who is currently following a State Rugby Diploma, will accompany the Crabos team of the RCT as part of its training.
According to L'Équipe, he could make his debut in the third-line center position on Sunday at Mayol for the reception of Clermont as part of the 3rd day of the Top 14. On the eve of his 34th birthday.
