“In Perpignan, I had the locker next to Henry Tuilagi”, the memories of Bastien Chalureau before MHR-Usap

Bastien Chalureau made his professional debut at Usap. Midi Libre – JEAN-MICHEL MART

International second row Bastien Chalureau returned to his visit to Perpignan this Wednesday April 24, three days before the Top 14 match against Usap (Saturday April 27, at 5 p.m.).

Are the next 5 matches the most important since you arrived in Montpellier in 2020 ?

We are not experiencing the most perfect seasons possible, but as a player it is a special period that we are experiencing. At the moment, things are not good for us. We move forward little by little, focusing on ourselves.

Does the context of the match, with the arrival of many Catalan supporters, make it even more important?

The Catalans come to support their team because they are in good spirits. The people of Montpellier will also come in large numbers to encourage us, to bring that extra bit of soul. But whether there are 3,000 Catalans or 10,000 Montpellier residents in the stands, that will not change the fact that on the pitch, we will be 15 against 15…hellip;

You played in Perpignan in your professional debut, you know this audience well.

The Catalans are really sanguine. But I experienced two periods, the one where the stadium was sold out and the one where there were not many people in the stands. It’s like all audiences, they react according to their team. If we manage to master it well with the game we want to offer, they will not succeed in playing. But you shouldn't miss it…

What state of mind are you in?

We are in a complicated moment but the state of mind is extraordinary. Every Monday, the guys come back with smiles and morale, we go back to work in a good mood. It hurts to come home with defeats, but during the week, we make progress on efficiency; on the weekend, like against Pau, we offer some play. Afterwards it comes down to details, the little forward, an unfavorable rebound… But the group is united, that’s what will allow us to save this club.

There is a lot of criticism around the club lately, do you feel alone against everyone ?

We don't pay attention to social networks. When we are in a turmoil like the one we are going through, we focus on ourselves in the locker room, in training. And we don't look at social networks and especially not journalists because we know very well that it cuts things out (laughs)!

Is today, talking about dams no longer a taboo word at the MHR?< /p>

We avoided talking about it until the match against Toulon (50-7 defeat on March 23) which was the pivotal moment. We realized that we would no longer play mid-table. We are going to host big matches like Usap, Toulouse, going to Castres is complicated. We are moving forward step by step and if we are still late at the end of the season we will play a play-off. We prepare for any eventuality.

Is it mentally tiring to play hold like that?

It’s special yes. Everyone takes it upon themselves. It's painful to leave with disappointment after the matches and during the week everyone does the best they can but it has to pay off on the weekend.

The ranking of the Top 14

Does this season remind you of the one three years ago when you also fought for the maintenance ?

Each season is special. We just missed out this season. The Top 14 has leveled up, now getting points away from home is complicated. And as soon as you lose at home at the start of the season, everyone comes with a big team to look for points.

You might have Posolo Tuilagi as your counterpart, what does that inspire you??

When I signed my first professional contract with Usap, I was with his father. I had the locker next to Henry's to channel me. It’s quite a tree too. He made a great plant. Everyone will play their match, we'll see if we meet. But he has strengths, we have ours…