“Inevitably, there is a little frustration”. Last year, in the middle of April, Valentin Tirefort was injured in training. An injury that all rugby players dread: rupture of the cruciate ligaments. “It’s hard, of course” he says, “but we know it can happen.” During his recovery, Valentin Tirefort still tries to keep his head in rugby. “Of course the link with the staff and the valid players, we lose it a little because we don’t attend training. But, we always try to keep a point of view, to find out about the game launches… “
The family, cement of his sporting adventure
The former Hope of Stade Rochelais also relied on his relatives. “When you’re injured for six months, you have time to see them. It’s very important to keep this bond, moreover, not to break it” emphasizes the Albigensian by birth. “Already that we are a little apart from the group, you have to know how to find yourself in the love of your own.”
Rugby is a family sport. Valentin’s father used to play there. However, it was at the age of 15 that the young player found himself in Albi. Before, his first sporting emotions took place…on the tatami mats. “I was more of a rambunctious, lively child. It really taught me to channel myself” he says. But beyond letting off steam on the tatami, it also teaches him rigor and respect for the opponent.
Between injuries and pandemic
In Albi, he progresses, until being spotted by Stade Rochelais, which integrates him into its Espoirs workforce. He learns, trains alongside the pros. But he didn’t have his chance, diminished (again…) by a shoulder injury. He nevertheless scored a try in his first Top 14 match against Agen. But, Valentin Tirefort wants more. “I started playing a bit late, and I contacted clubs. Brive convinced me” points out the winger.
Installed in Corrèze, he arrives – and it’s bad luck – in the midst of the covid pandemic. Last year, he nevertheless manages to play 8 games, all holders, and all full (that is to say 80 minutes). From the experience he also learns from the competition in his position as a winger. “I knew that everything would not be served to me on a platter and that I would have to work hard to earn my place.“ underlines, full of wisdom, the Brive rugby player.
In the group against Biarritz?
After months of rehabilitation, in October, the 23-year-old returns to training, little by little. He should have played in Edinburgh last week, but a set-up glitch prevented him from doing so. Valentin Tirefort applies for the group every weekend, with his complementary profile of Setareki Bituniyata. “I like the spaces and I think I have a good hook. I am in the attack” explains the young winger. A cinephile, he now hopes to write his own script for his career in black and white.