INTERVIEW – Loaned this season by the French champion club to Provence Rugby, on the lower level, the young second row took advantage of the fall tour of the XV of France to be recalled for three weeks and express himself in the Top 14. He shares his experience with Figaro.
Often perceived as a constraint for Top 14 clubs, periods of doubles can allow young players to express themselves and become a career accelerator. Raphaël Portat experienced this last November. Loaned to Provence Rugby in Pro D2 to gain playing time and gain experience, the young second row (22 years old) was recalled by Stade Toulousain during the French team’s tour. He then came on against Stade Français then against Montauban, embodying this young generation propelled to the forefront when the internationals were absent, before returning to his Aix club.
LE FIGARO – When the national teams play and the Top 14 continues, this causes the famous doubles. Concretely, for a player like you, what does that change in your career?
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Raphaël PORTAT – Periods of duplicates necessarily free up places. For younger, less experienced players or players on loan like me, it allows them to get some playing time in the Top 14. It’s a real opportunity. These are also times when the team is a little different, with very strong motivation, which often makes for interesting matches to play.
This season, you were recalled by Stade Toulousain during the doubles period, while you were on loan to Provence Rugby. How did you experience this somewhat special return to your training club?
I really saw it as an opportunity. The loan to Provence is great, because it allows me to follow the match sheets and have playing time. But coming back to Stade Toulousain during the doubles was also a great opportunity to play with the club again, to find teammates and a playing system that I already knew. Honestly, it was really lucky.
Is it complicated to juggle two quite different sporting projects, with expectations that are not the same, in Toulouse and in Provence?
No, not really, because we are put in very good conditions. The staff and players help us a lot, especially to review combinations or touches. It limits the pressure. And then, it was a game system that I knew well and that I hadn’t left for a long time. The adaptation therefore happened quite naturally.
Provence Rugby is a Pro D2 team with big ambitions. The training there is already very strong and the squad is quality. Obviously, Toulouse represents the highest level in France, but I wouldn’t say that there is a huge difference on a daily basis.
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Duplicates are often seen as a constraint for clubs. For you it’s more of an opportunity to show yourself at the next level?
Yes, completely. The absence of executives who have gone to selection allows us to have playing time, to express ourselves and to show what we can do and what we are worth. This is clearly a real opportunity to be seized.
When you go from a Pro D2 club to a Top 14 club, do you feel a real difference in terms of training or demands?
Honestly, Provence Rugby is a Pro D2 team with big ambitions. The training there is already very strong and the squad is quality. Obviously, Toulouse represents the highest level in France, but I wouldn’t say that there is a huge difference on a daily basis.
When you arrive in a squad deprived of its internationals, do you feel more responsibility on the pitch?
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No, not particularly. In the second line, the roles and tasks are quite clear and precise. I focus on what I have to do, trying to do it as best as possible and putting a lot of energy into it. I don’t feel any additional responsibility.
I try to see these periods as a chance to express myself, not as added pressure
Raphaël Portat
Do these periods give you the impression of playing “your card” faster, almost under pressure, because time is running out?
I don’t see it like that. Thinking like this could bring negative pressure. Rather, I try to enjoy, express myself and show what I work on every day. The most important thing is to have fun, because that is often what leads to good performance. I try not to think too much about this pressure so as not to outsmart or fill my head with bad vibes.
Do periods of duplicates accentuate the gaps between teams?
I don’t know if they really widen the gaps. In the Top 14, the workforce is very large and of high quality. A team like Stade Toulousain can perform, even during doubles, thanks to its training center and very motivated young people. The absence of internationals necessarily changes certain things, but the level remains very high because everyone really wants to play these matches.
“I try not to project myself too much”
Personally, do you see these periods as a springboard for the rest of your career?
I try not to project too much. I prefer to concentrate on the present moment, take advantage of the chance to play with Stade Toulousain and live these moments to the fullest. If I have fun and don’t regret anything, the outcome should be positive.
Has this passage made you more confident in view of your return from loan to Stade Toulousain?
Yes, definitely. Playing at Stade Toulousain brings confidence, but playing with Provence too, because they are two professional levels. This is the first season where I have done so many match sheets (9, including 1 tenure, Editor’s note). Match after match, I feel more comfortable, I understand the game better and I am able to adapt. I think that all this cannot be beneficial for the future.
