For a long time, the international career of Thomas Ramos was written in dotted lines.
During the 2019 World Cup in Japan, the Toulouse back had to leave the tricolor delegation hastily, supposedly because of a sprained ankle.
A departure during the competition which was immediately compensated by the arrival of winger Vincent Rattez.
But this "diplomatic injury" had caused a lot of ink to flow: only a week after his return to France, he had played against Castres, finished the match in tears and his manager Ugo Mola had come to his rescue.
An adventure that stuck with him for a long time.
To discover
Calendar and results 6 Nations
Ranking Tournament 6 of Nations
When he took office, Fabien Galthié first called on his famous "UFOs" to occupy the position of fullback: first there was Montpellier's Anthony Bouthier, then Perpignan (now Toulouse) Melvyn Jaminet who shone in the blue jersey, with the interlude brilliantly provided by the Rochelais Brice Dulin, who had managed to return to the fore.
Before Thomas Ramos has - finally - his chance during the last autumn tour (Australia, South Africa and Japan).
To make up for lost time.
A challenge that he brilliantly took up, to the point of being renewed for this Six Nations Tournament.
"The level of the Top 14 is not that of the international level"
Brilliant with Stade Toulousain, the back passed by Colomiers (Pro D2) did not have the same consistency and the same efficiency under the tricolor jersey, he only has 24 selections at 27 years old.
When he recalled him at international level in November, Fabien Galthié had no hesitation in putting a little pressure on him: “
Ramos won with his performances at Stade Toulousain.
But you also know that the level of the Top 14 is not that of the international level.
There is going to be an interesting challenge for him…»
Challenge succeeded.
During this Tournament, he chained tenures and good performances, making him an incumbent, if not indisputable, at least ahead of the competition.
"
I had been there for a few years without being there,"
he admits.
I'm not going to rewrite history, but I never gave up.
I had an opportunity in November to play, I took it.
And if I go on, it's because I have to satisfy the staff.
I hope so anyways.
“Against the Welsh, if he scores at least 13 points, the number 15 of the Blues could beat the record for points scored during the same edition of the Six Nations (80 points), held by the former Clermontois Gérald Merceron since the Grand Slam 2002. Proof of his great success this season.
Read alsoSix nations: Thomas Ramos can enter the history of the XV of France
The player from Mazamet (Tarn), however, is not one to rest on his laurels.
This week, in Marcoussis, he even judged that his record was
“rather average”
.
And to explain:
“My first two games were mixed.
Then I had two good games against Scotland and England.
When you're not good, you work to come back and be strong on the pitch.
There, I admit that I am happy with my last two games, just like my season with the France team.
“The full-back must be the engine of the game since he has the roles of 9, 10 and 15”
During the last outings of the XV of France, his open-back versatility helped to illuminate the game of the Blues.
In Toulouse, he has also delivered excellent outings as number 10 this season, especially at the start of the season when Romain Ntamack was injured.
Being part of the France team with many club partners is obviously an advantage.
“It is sure that playing with players with whom I am used to evolving, it creates automatisms.
It's much easier for us to meet on the pitch, especially thanks to the communication we have between us at times.
It's beneficial for the whole team
,” he agrees.
Read alsoFabien Galthié: “We are behind what we hoped for four years ago”
Laurent Labit, the coach in charge of the tricolor attack, takes full advantage of his ability to evolve in the positions of 10 and 15, especially this year in the absence of injured Matthieu Jalibert, and little to his advantage when he is entered at the back.
Thomas Ramos explains "
in the staff project, the back must be the engine of the game since he has the roles of 9, 10 and 15
".
And to add: “
When Romain is caught in ruck zones, I naturally take on the role of 10. It allows to create relays on the ground.
We are used to
compensating each other.
These are automatisms that help the team.
“And which allowed him to settle for the duration in the France team, six months before the World Cup.