France No.8 chomping at the bit to make his Premiership mark
LOUIS Picamoles is only a few weeks into his new life in Northampton but already feels at home and can’t wait to sample life in the Premiership.
The French No.8, nicknamed the ‘Ice Berg’ for his low centre of gravity and massive thighs, moved to the East Midlands five week ago following Les Bleus’ tour to Argentina. After spending the last seven seasons playing for Toulouse, Picamoles is tasked with finally filling the void left by Samu Manoa’s 2015 departure to Toulon.
Talking exclusively to The Rugby Paper, fans’ favourite Picamoles says he is impatient for the season to begin so he can experience the atmosphere at Franklin’s Gardens and really feel part of the team.
He said:“It was weird at first to be in a new place and new country but I feel very comfortable already. Now I’m very impatient for the season to start to have that feeling of fully belonging to the club. “Being on the field and playing a competitive game is the best way to do that. “My English is holding me back a bit but I’m improving everyday. Talking rugby is not the problem but I often struggle to understand my teammates. I think they play on it too and it makes for some funny moments. “I don’t get involved in the banter yet because by the time I think about a funny reply the moment’s gone but I’ll get there and I’ll get them back soon enough. “Northampton is a town passionate about rugby and it’s great to be having devoted supporters cheering you on. From what I understand we’re lucky with our fans here and it’s one of the best atmospheres in the league. I can’t wait to experience it with the jersey on.” Picamoles burst onto the scene with Montpellier coming through the academy system alongside Frech stars Francois Trinh-Duc and Fulgence Ouedraogo before moving to Toulouse in 2009. While there he established himself as one of the best No.8s in the world and won two Top 14 as well as the Heineken Cup in 2010.
But after seven seasons, the bulldozing 30-year-old felt the need for a new challenge and a meeting with Jim Mallinder and Dorian West during theWorld Cup in England persuaded him to cross the Channel.
The 6ft 3in, 18st 4lb hulk added: “I wanted a change in my career to challenge myself and we talked about a move abroad with my wife a while back already.
“During the World Cup my agent told me there could be an opportunity to join Saints. I knew the reputation of the club even if I didn't have a very good memory of facing them with Montpellier when I started my career (a 51-7 thumping at the Gardens in 2008).
“I don’t think I could have played for another club in Top 14 after Toulouse so it helped in my decision and meeting Jim and Dorian was the decisive factor.
“We had a nice chat about what I was expecting from the move and why they wanted me. We were on the same wave length so I quickly felt comfortable around them.
“Moving from Montpellier to Toulouse gave me a lot so I expect a lot from this move too. I’ll be here for three years at least which is important for me. I didn't want to come here, have a taste of it and go back.
“I wanted to be fully committed to the club’s project and I hope I can help win trophies. It’ll be awesome to be able to win another championship to go with my Top 14 and European medals.
“Everybody is very ambitious here and I like that. It bodes well for the season.”
Amassing 54 Test caps since his debut in 2008, Picamoles was not included in France’s first ever EPS last month by Guy Noves.But it was only because of legisla- tion and Picamoles is adamant a desire to play for his country remains.
“The new convention is between the French federation and the League so I can’t be included in it because I’m now under jurisdiction of the English league. But I’ve spoken with the coaches and they haven’t closed the door on me while I’m here.
“I’ve told Northampton I wanted to keep representing France if I came and they’re supportive of that.
“Guy’s been in charge for eight months now and I’m happy about the direction we’re going. We’ve got to keep improving to ensure we become a constant force on the international stage rather than by intermittence.
“England were supposed to be in crisis after the World Cup and a few months later they win a Grand Slam and then win three Tests in Australia. It shows what hard work can do.We have enough quality to do the same, now it’s up to us to prove it.”