Louis Le Brun, inspired by his uncle Yann Delaigue, is establishing his rugby career, primarily as a fly-half for Castres. At just 23, he has captained French youth teams and received call-ups to the senior national squad, training regularly but yet to debut. Known for his versatility, he can play multiple positions and is recognized for his athletic build and strong presence on the field. Deeply rooted in Toulon, he remains connected to his origins despite his transition to Castres in 2020.
Following in the Footsteps of a Rugby Legend
Louis Le Brun is carving out his own path in the rugby world, drawing inspiration from his uncle, Yann Delaigue. Delaigue, a former fly-half for renowned clubs like Toulon, Toulouse, and Castres, proudly represented France 20 times between 1994 and 2005. In 2020, while still honing his skills at the Toulon training center, Louis received invaluable guidance from his uncle, who encouraged him to join Castres. “He was the one who urged me to sign with Castres. He shared stories about the vibrant atmosphere at the Pierre-Fabre stadium, the charm of the city, and all the elements that make the club special. It resonated with me. He assured me that choosing CO was a smart move, and I have no regrets. I hold a close bond with him; we frequently discuss rugby and meet often. His advice is incredibly beneficial,” Louis shared with Actu Rugby. Much like Yann, Louis boasts a powerful left foot, excels at fly-half, and is skilled at kicking, showcasing undeniable similarities.
A Versatile Player on the Field
While he primarily plays as a fly-half, Louis Le Brun’s versatility allows him to excel in various positions. Out of his 19 match appearances this season, he started at fly-half 10 times. Even when coming off the bench, he often filled this role. Hailing from Var, he can also operate as a first center—a secondary fly-half—and has trained as a fullback. Such adaptability is both intriguing and rare in professional rugby. For instance, New Zealand’s Jordie Barrett is known for playing in all backline positions. Nevertheless, Louis appears to have firmly established himself as a fly-half, frequently alternating with the equally versatile Pierre Popelin during the initial stages of the season.
Making Waves with the French National Team
At just 23 years old, Le Brun has already made his mark in various French youth teams. He progressed through the under-18 and under-20 levels, eventually captaining the under-20 squad during the 2022 Six Nations Tournament. That same year, he received an unexpected call-up to the French senior team for their tour in Japan, stepping in due to the absence of several key players. Although he regularly trains with the national squad, he has yet to don the blue jersey in a match. He has continued to receive call-ups to Marcoussis, including for the most recent autumn tour as a replacement for UBB’s Romain Buros, and during the latest Six Nations Tournament. The competition in his position is fierce, but with consistent recognition, the Castres player is hopeful for his debut this summer in New Zealand.
Rooted in Toulon
With a complexion reminiscent of the sun and sea, Louis Le Brun embodies the essence of a Toulonnais, affectionately known as a “minot de la Rade”. He began his rugby journey at RC Hyères Carqueiranne La Crau from 2007 to 2015, before catching the attention of scouts from the Toulon training center. Although he was destined for a bright future at RCT, he made the transition to Castres in 2020 but remains deeply connected to his roots in Var.
A Strong and Agile Presence
Louis Le Brun is not one to shy away from contact, thanks to his impressive athletic build (1.90m, 96 kg). This physique not only enhances his defensive capabilities but also makes him a formidable presence in rucks. Tall and agile, he combines speed with excellent footwork and a keen understanding of the game. “Louis is a powerful player who gives his all and is seldom injured,” noted Xavier Sadourny, the manager of Castres Olympique, in an interview with La Dépêche.