"I'm here to help the FCG become a top club"

Are you happy to sign for 3 new seasons with Grenoble?

"I have exactly the same feeling and ambition as when I signed my first contract for Grenoble 3 years ago. I came here to help the FCG become a top club. This work is not done yet and I think the rugby I still have in me can allow the club to do it. And I hope we can do it in the next 3 years, as long as I'm here. I thank the club for this opportunity to play 3 new seasons and help it become this great club in France and Europe. "

You signed a long contract. Did you receive some "guarantees"?

"It's a decision I've had to think about. It was not just about me and my security. It's about knowing if I still had something to give for the club. I talked to a lot of people in the club, the president, the vice-president, the staff, and they're all very positive about the club's project. And they all think I can still give a few years on the field. And I think I can do it too. The plan did not necessarily run as planned in my first 3 seasons here, but it's a new chance to get this ship back on course and put it where the leaders, coaches and I want to to place. I am very positive about the future. This season is tough, but this club has a good and bright future ahead of it. "

You are already one of the most experienced players. Your leadership role will be strengthened for the coming seasons.

"One of the most important things for a leader is to be one on the field. Although I am one of the oldest, and can be seen as a leader off the pitch, I think the most important thing is to be good on the pitch. It is my challenge to achieve this week after week for the coming seasons. To be a good example for others. This will make things easier in the dressing room, in the video room. I do not want to be a leader off the pitch and simply fill up a place in the team on the pitch, I really want to bring in more during the games. This is my challenge for the coming seasons. "

The FCG could go down at the end of the season. Is it something that you are worried about?

"It is true that there is a possibility that we go down. But I think we still have the potential to stay in Top 14. We play a very good rugby and we did not always get the results. C'est la vie. But, regardless of the division in which we will be playing next season, I think the club is moving in the right direction and that's what is good for me. I would like us to play in Top 14, but, whether its is Top 14 or Pro D2, the club is going in the right direction. I arrived three years ago, and even though the plan did not go as planned, we have a second chance. The legacy that the former players have left us, we must take it higher and further. And it is to bring the club to its full potential, which for me is the Top 6 in France and to be able to consistantly compete for trophies in France and Europe, not just for staying up. "