One year from the end of his contract, Grégory Alldritt was the subject of many desires. But Stade Rochelais did not want to part with its gondola head. The yellow and black captain ended up extending his lease until 2026 in Charente-Maritime. A very strong signal sent by the club for the years to come.
Symbol of the importance of this file, the XXL cast of the press conference organized this Wednesday at the end of the day at the training center. The third international center line was flanked by president Vincent Merling, but also by general manager Pierre Venayre, Irish manager Ronan O’Gara and sporting director Robert Mohr. Alldritt says he did not hesitate for a second to extend, his decision was made before the final.
– Eric LeBihan
Merling the Enchanted
The press conference began with a vibrant tribute from La Rochelle president Vincent Merling, still on his little European cloud, returned to his captain. “The days follow one another and look alike, there are weeks of total happiness. What we experienced on Saturday is simply extraordinary and as the good news follows one another, I am very happy to announce the extension of Greg’s contract. , our captain. He is our pride, our captain who represents the values and culture of the club better than anyone. Beyond the player, the man is exceptional, he is so important in the operation and strategy of our club , so representative and unifying that it is a great pride to have signed its renewal. Congratulations to you Greg!”
– Eric LeBihan
An evidence
It is enormously proud today to extend the adventure with this club that I discovered five years ago. I had fallen in love with the values of this club, with this fervor that there is in the city. If I play rugby, I’ve always said it, it’s for the emotions we have on match day, after matches, and this city is great for that. She showed again this weekend. What I experienced this weekend was something very strong, very powerful. Of course, it is thanks to all this that I made this decision to stay. It had been some time since we had broached the subject with Robert, Ronan and Pierre. Afterwards, they also had to respect this international period and give me time to devote myself fully to the France team. After the return, it was chained and it happened naturally. We reached an agreement very quickly.
– Eric LeBihan
The Toulouse temptation?
Everything was done on time. I didn’t arrive at a point where I said to myself “I have to leave”. Of course, I am very close to Toulouse, I was born there (in the Gers), I studied there and I have very good friends who play there. But leaving Stade Rochelais, I didn’t really think about it. My number one goal was to extend here and so I didn’t have to think or think about leaving or whatever.”
A crazy year
It’s been a crazy year, but I often say it, it’s hard during the season to settle down, to look back and take stock. There, we won last weekend and we went back there this morning already to prepare for the Lyon match. So at the end of the year we will have to ask ourselves, that I take stock of this year which is already great, which is already crazy. And if in addition to that, there can be something more, that would be the icing on the cake.
Towards the heights
Since Grégory Alldritt arrived in La Rochelle five years ago, he has come a long way. Integration into the pro group, the finals, the captaincy, and the XV of France, with a successful Grand Slam at the last Six Nations Tournament. The Gersois never ceases to amaze the rugby planet. His high-level performances amazed the rugby planet. He is probably (or not far) the best player in the world in his position, at only 25 years old. An ascent which – we hope – will take him to the roof of the world next fall in France.
Crowned European champions on Saturday after defeating Leinster, Grégory Alldritt and his teammates are now focused on the Top 14. They play their qualification for the final phase on Sunday evening against Lyon, a direct competitor who will need a bonus victory by passing in front of the Maritimes.
After the Champions Cup, the Rochelais dream of lifting their first Brennus shield. The task promises to be difficult, but the sweet ambient euphoria could give them wings to fly to the coveted end of the wood. France Bleu La Rochelle will make you live this 26th and last day of the championship at 9:05 p.m. Sunday on the occasion of a multiplex which promises to be as undecided and as exciting.