Arrived this summer in Grenoble, José Madeira quickly became famous on the lawns of Pro D2. The Portuguese second row tells about his debut, his selections with Portugal and how he arrived in France. He has just extended his contract with FCG until 2023.
"Hello everyone, my name is José Madeira, I am 19 years old, I am from Portugal and I play 2nd line.
Where did you learn to speak French?
I've just learned a little bit, here in France, since I arrived. I've been taking classes to learn French, it's really important. I didn't know how to speak French before I came here. It happened quickly.
How did you come to play rugby?
I started playing rugby after the 2007 World Cup, Portugal made the rugby World Cup here in France. When I saw the Portuguese team playing on TV, I said yes, I'm going to play rugby. I started playing when I was 7 years old, I always liked it.
What is the place of rugby in Portugal?
In Portugal, rugby is a bit amateur. The big clubs are all in Lisbon, there are also a few clubs in the north and the centre, but most of the country's clubs are in Lisbon. As a result, travel is fast compared to here, where you have to travel several hours for every match. This rugby is not professional, it's simpler, it's the values of rugby.
Did you play quickly with the Portuguese selection?
Last year I played with the XV for the first time, when I was 17, I played with adults for the first time.
When did you think you could be a professional player?
It was a dream when I was a kid to play with Portugal, I played rugby so that one day I could play with the national team. It's a dream that I've realised, so the goal is bigger now. I had never really thought about becoming a professional, but I am happy to be able to do it and to be here.
How did you end up in Grenoble?
I did the European championship with the XV of Portugal last year, Franck Corrihons who knows my coach saw me, I had the opportunity to speak with him, I saw the club, discovered the history and I am happy to be here!
What struck you when you arrived here?
I unfortunately arrived in a time of pandemic, so it's not easy to discover, but the mountains are the first things I saw and it's really different from Lisbon where I come from, and now it's a little bit the cold that I notice ^^
And in rugby?
Rugby is very physical, the importance of static phases. It is more dynamic, more athletic, the teams are very good, the championship is very competitive.
With Portugal have you ever played against big teams?
Yes, against Georgia, Romania, Russia, all the teams of the European championship, now our goal is to play the 2023 world cup here in France. I hope we will manage to qualify.
Did you play with Anthony Alves in the selection?
No, I never played with him before coming here, but he is also Portuguese, he has already played several times with Portugal.
And Mike Tadjer?
I spoke to him a little before coming here, about the life of a professional rugby player that I didn't know before, he gave me the right advice.
Did you extend your contract with FCG until 2023?
Yes, that's it, I'm happy, I hope to be able to do several years here to become a JIFF too.
Are you happy that this extension is coming so quickly?
Yes, I'm happy, I still have to evolve, I'm happy with my debut with the team. It's not an easy passage, but I'm obviously happy!"
Auteur : FCG Rugby