XV of France: Olivier Roumat “very moved” after the first selection of his son Alexandre

Former international second row Olivier Roumat was in the stands at Murrayfield on Saturday in Scotland to attend the first selection with the French XV of his son Alexandre, who according to him reaped “the fruits of his work”. “I was at the stadium with his mother, hiding in a corner. I was very moved,” the legend of the Blues, whose last of 61 selections dates back to 1996, testified to AFP.

“I wasn't particularly stressed because I knew Alexandre was ready physically and psychologically,” he added. “The young people of today are not quite like us at the time, we were more apprehensive.” “He knew the context after having already done several training courses (with the French team). And he was among players from Toulouse with whom he plays every weekend.

Alexandre Roumat, 26, came on in the 48th minute during the difficult French victory in Scotland (20-16), replacing Cameron Woki in the unusual second-line position for him. “He reaps the fruits of his work,” said Olivier Roumat, 57 years old. “He’s a kid who prepares a lot. If I had prepared like him, I would have doubled my selections. (...) He is an athlete. He has progressed at all levels, whether rugby-wise or physically.”

After five seasons at Bordeaux-Bègles, Alexandre took a step forward by joining Stade Toulouse in 2022, with whom he won the Top 14 last year, but competition is tough for his position with the Blues. “The hardest part is not getting there, it’s staying there,” admitted his father. We don't have 50 chances in the French team, we can't make a mistake. The rain, the good weather, the guy who doesn't lift you, the refereeing... There are no possible excuses. You have to be good.”