Mathieu Bastareaud's Emotional Return to Créteil
This weekend, Mathieu Bastareaud, the former rugby star turned team manager of RC Toulon, returns to his hometown of Créteil for a significant match against Racing 92. As the team prepares for this clash at the Dominique-Duvauchelle stadium on Saturday, Bastareaud reflects on his deep roots in the area. Born and raised in Créteil, he began his rugby journey at the age of five with the Rugby Club Créteil-Choisy, making this match particularly poignant for him. "When I saw that we were going to play in Créteil, I thought: 'You couldn't have lasted two more years!'" he shared, expressing a mix of nostalgia and excitement.
Despite having retired from professional play in 2023, Bastareaud remains closely connected to the team, serving as the sports coordinator. His role involves managing logistics and ensuring that players have the best possible conditions to perform on the field. He emphasizes the importance of player well-being, stating, "They are not robots, so when they do not feel well, I try to warn the staff a little."
Bastareaud's presence will be felt even in the stands, as he has reserved all the seats normally allocated to players for his family and friends. He humorously warned his team: "If they embarrass me in Créteil, they'll go back to Toulon by bus." This playful threat underscores the pressure the players may feel to perform well in front of their manager and Bastareaud's loved ones.
As for the team’s performance this season, Bastareaud has observed a positive group dynamic. He noted that the players are adhering to the game plan and fighting for one another, which bodes well for their upcoming match. With the absence of head coach Pierre Mignoni, who is serving a self-imposed suspension after controversial remarks about a referee, the stakes are high for RC Toulon as they navigate this challenging yet sentimental match.
