Top of page 14. Antoine Hastoy (La Rochelle): “What do I have to lose by signing here?”

It is often a big risk to join a new club a year before the World Cup. Especially when the competition is so strong, as it is currently within fifteenth of France. “Honestly, I didn’t think about it for a second when I made up my mind and signed La Rochelle,” I admit rugby news International Opening Antoine Hastoy (25 years old; 2 choices), who left the Paloise department after 11 years of good and loyal service, to Rochelais . Stadium.

“In the end, what do I have to lose?” he adds. “At this moment, Apparently I’m third in the France team. The two in front of me (Roman Ntamak and Matthew Gallibert, editor’s note) have taken the lead, and we can’t hide it. I think I have nothing to lose by coming to a club that wins trophies and wants to play in the finals. As for me, I don’t take any risks.”

Although he notes that he did not take the France 2023 World Cup into account when making his selection, Hastoy believes that in an effort to change the hierarchy within France 15th, he should play “Champions’ Cup matches and the final”. And to be good. This is the only way I can show myself.”

“I felt that to take a step, I had to leave Bao”

The national choice, the 25-year-old boy does not want to “take up all the space” in his mind. His main wish is first of all to “success in his acclimatization” and “to make a very good start to the season” with his new colours. Because he’s betting a lot on him coming to La Rochelle, a club that should let him pass the course Personally:

I felt that to take a step, I must leave Bao. I think it was the right time. I lived very nice things in this club, met all my friends, but a profession that I live for you and not for others. I wanted to see something else and get moving.

Bo, a club accustomed to green in a soft belly Top 14, he could no longer meet Hastoy’s expectations and requirements. “I want to advance at the club that plays the biggest matches and starts the season to win the title. That is why I signed up for La Rochelle, the person concerned says frankly.

Great memories with Section Paloise

The International Hemisphere also admits to having circumvented the question in pee, whose first professional match dates back to May 21, 2016 and a trip to Racing 92 (defeat 43-13). “I wanted a change of scenery, to find a new working environment, but also a new life. I never left the Southwest and the farthest I lived is Biarritz, and again, that’s because I was born there,” he smiles.

We are now talking about swear bao, It brings up memories. And Hastoy keeps some excellent things:

The year we played the U-23 final in the tournament is one of my best memories. It was unbelievable on a human level. There used to be a bunch of crazy people, we’re almost all still friends today. And if not, there’s this match against Montpellier a year ago where we scored in the last action, which saved us from playing an access match (thanks to earning the offensive bonus, editor’s note). We struggled all season, kept going at the end, and in that time, we felt like we won the title. It was a relief to leave the club as it should be…

Hastoy: “I’m looking forward to the start of the season”

La Rochelle is also a club that Antoine Hastoy liked, because it is very similar to the Pau Club on one level: family side. “I am leaving a family-friendly club like Pau to come to La Rochelle, which is about the same at this level. President Vincent Merling built the club for years and years, with real values ​​and great cohesion within the club. For me, it was important to join a club like this. […] I knew quite a few guys, you guys have a great group here, and I had no doubts that I would fit in well and it was confirmed: no problems adapting. Good so far, and I’m looking forward to the start of the season.”

The beginning of the season during which he will have to quickly find his mechanism with the two halves of the scrum in La Rochelle, and in particular the New Zealander Tawera Care Barlow. “We’re really starting to have a good conversation,” Hastoy says. “Our amulet will be subject to many exchanges and communications. You have to talk, all the time, even if it is about some tough exchanges or shout matches. I think we should show mutual trust. So far, we are fine.”

A good agreement is necessary to put the new opener from La Rochelle in the best possible conditions. Because, within a very high level of employment, Hastoy is the one who will have to take on the task Ihiya WestWhich witnessed fluctuations within the maritime club. The expectations of the supporters of La Rochelle are enormous. And Hastwey knows that. But nothing scares him. “I feel expectations, especially in the role of top scorer, and that gives me more motivation to work and perform. But I don’t have pressure. The international number 10 also wants one thing: ‘putting his paw into the team match.’ As for the La Rochelle supporters, we must already be boiling empty. patience …

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