Bordeaux, France – Union Bordeaux-Bègles winger Damian Penaud is known for his speed and skill on the rugby pitch, but the French international has revealed a surprising passion off the field: collecting Pokémon cards. The 29-year-old recently announced on Instagram that he is actively seeking to expand his collection, offering to purchase cards from his nearly 300,000 followers.
Penaud’s announcement, made in a temporary Instagram story, read, “I buy your old Pokémon card collections, don’t hesitate to send me a message,” and requested that potential sellers include photos of their cards. This isn’t a sudden hobby; Penaud’s enthusiasm for the Japanese franchise has been known within rugby circles for some time.
The interest in Pokémon cards isn’t unique among athletes. Tennis player Terence Atmane is also a noted collector, possessing what has been described as one of the most impressive collections in France. Atmane highlighted the rarity and value of some cards in a 2024 post, noting that acquiring certain pieces took years and required significant investment.
From the Pitch to the Pokémon World
Penaud’s foray into Pokémon collecting comes on the heels of a dominant performance for Union Bordeaux-Bègles. The team secured a decisive victory over Stade Toulousain on March 23, 2026, with a final score of 44-20. While the win was a team effort, Penaud’s recent positional shift has drawn attention. He was deployed at center during the match, a change from his usual wing position.
The move to center proved physically demanding. According to reports, Penaud experienced cramping during the game, and when asked about the change in position by Maxime Lucu while equipped with a microphone from Canal +, he admitted, “I have cramps, it’s not the same at center. You run more, you have more balls, you do rucks… pffaouh.” This suggests the positional change required a different kind of endurance and physicality than he’s accustomed to as a winger.
A Childhood Passion Rekindled
Penaud’s dedication to Pokémon extends beyond simply acquiring cards. A video shared by Rugby’O’Top on YouTube features a close friend of Penaud describing him as “a child in an adult’s body.” The friend explained that Penaud’s life revolves around rugby, video games, and, crucially, collecting Pokémon cards, particularly enjoying the experience of opening booster packs.
This passion for collecting isn’t a new development. Penaud, who was born in Brive-la-Gaillarde, France, on September 25, 1996, and comes from a rugby family – his father, Alain Penaud, is also a former international player – appears to have rekindled a childhood interest. The appeal of Pokémon, with its nostalgic value and potential for investment, is clearly strong.
The Growing Market for Pokémon Cards
Penaud’s interest in Pokémon cards reflects a broader trend. The market for these collectible cards has experienced significant growth in recent years, driven by nostalgia, speculation, and a dedicated community of collectors. Some cards have become incredibly valuable, with rare editions fetching substantial sums at auction. The appeal extends beyond younger generations, attracting collectors of all ages.
The French newspaper Le Parisien recently published an article detailing the rising value of Pokémon cards as both a nostalgic passion and an investment opportunity. This growing market likely contributes to the appeal for athletes like Penaud and Atmane, who see the cards as both a hobby and a potential asset.
What’s Next for Penaud?
Following the impressive win against Toulouse, Union Bordeaux-Bègles will continue its push in the Top 14 season. Penaud’s role within the team, and whether he will continue to be deployed at center, remains to be seen. His focus, however, appears to be split between the demands of professional rugby and the thrill of the Pokémon card hunt. Fans can follow Penaud’s progress on the field and potentially offer their collections via his Instagram account.
The next match for Union Bordeaux-Bègles is scheduled for [Date to be confirmed – check official UBB schedule], against [Opponent to be confirmed – check official UBB schedule] at [Venue to be confirmed – check official UBB schedule].
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