the five moments that marked the career of François Trinh-Duc

He announced his decision on Wednesday, December 15. At the end of the season, François Trinh-Duc will retire, after eighteen years spent roaming the lawns of professional rugby. Long loyal to his hometown club, Montpellier, the opening half then sailed towards other horizons. Toulon, Racing 92 and finally Bordeaux-Bègles, where he is therefore playing his last season.

From the mad-dog twirling of the Sabathé stadium to the player more managerial than he is now, return in five dates on the career of François Trinh-Duc. From a World Cup final to a ruined departure from his clubœur.

May 21, 2005: the first steps in pro at 19 years old

A native of Montpellier (Hérault), the young François Trinh-Duc took his first license at the Pic Saint Loup rugby school. It was there that he met Fulgence Ouedraogo. This is also where the two players are spotted by the MHRC, which they join as cadets.

After having made his classes with the young people, Trinh-Duc discovers the joys of the Top 16, on May 21, 2005. His team has already acquired its support and is taking advantage of a trip to the Basque coast to suffer the wrath of the future champion of France , Biarritz (45-3). What does the broth matter, as long as there is baptism.

February 3, 2008: the discovery of the XV of France

Only three and a half years after his match with the pros, François Trinh-Duc is already opening the doors to the France team. And for the opening match of the Six Nations Tournament against Scotland in 2008, he was even propelled by coach Marc Lièvremont. He then shared the post with David Skrela. The Toulousain starts in Wales and against Ireland, when the young Trinh-Duc leads the game against Italy and England.

In total, sixty-five selections, 93 points, a Grand Slam (2010) and a World Cup final will follow this first cape.

March 20, 2010: the Grand Slam

Now a member of the French team, François Trinh-Duc won his first title in 2010. With the generation of Servat, Dusautoir or Jauzion, he accomplished the feat of winning the five matches of the Six Nations Tournament. A performance never reissued since by a team from France.

Holder in all matches, the Montpellier is the conductor of the XV of France of the Marc Lièvremont era at only 24 years old. The future seems to belong to him …

October 23, 2011: the World Cup final

A few months after losing the Top 14 final against Toulouse (12-10), FTD stumbles again on the last step. This time it’s called New Zealand, and the scenario is all the more cruel. Within a French team in distress and in conflict with its staff, “FTD” is gradually downgraded. If he holds the first two group matches, he takes his place on the bench for all other matches. It is Morgan Parra, a scrum half and therefore non-specialist in the position, who is preferred to him.

But in the final, fate seemed to be working in his favor when, in the 12th minute of play, Morgan Parra was injured. Sharp as soon as he comes into play, he is very offensive and manages to wreak havoc in the defense (37th and 47th). After successfully transforming Dusautoir’s try, he missed a final penalty (65th) which would have allowed the Blues to take the advantage. France is inclined by a small point (8-7).

May 29, 2016: the departure of a great by the small door

He had announced his departure early in the season, Wednesday, November 25. In Montpellier from the cadets, FTD was going to leave his heart club. Annoyed by a series of injuries, not selected for the 2015 World Cup and in disagreement with Montpellier South Africa version, the 30-year-old opener wants to revive. It will be near Toulon.

On May 29, 2016, for his last home game, he was not even selected for the squad. Finding himself, de facto, deprived of farewell with his audience. His teammate and friend, Fulgence Ouedraogo does not taste what he considers a lack of recognition for one of the illustrious of the young club. On Twitter, he cracked a short but scathing message: “Regardless of Sunday’s score, this game will remain a historic defeat for the club.