Already in the Rochelais pantheon, Romain Sazy wants to leave in style

Romain Sazy a month ago, during the Champions Cup final won in Dublin against Leinster. PAUL ELLIS / AFP

He makes no secret of it. As Romain Sazy prepares to play, this Saturday in the final of the Top 14, the last match of his long career, ambition is more lively than ever. “What matters to me is the trace that I will leave“, has often repeated in recent weeks the future retiree. So ending with a shield from Brennus, the first in the history of Stade Rochelais, fully fuels his determination. “A special week? For the whole club yes, not especially for me. Honestly, my personal story comes after the collective performance and the game. The fact that this is my last game will not affect me. I’ll leave that for later, I’ll have plenty of time to think about it. There, what counts is the performance of the team and that we succeed in our final… »

At 36, he has only one obsession. Do not miss his last chance to finally be crowned champion of France. An ambition that did not necessarily drive him when he arrived at Stade Rochelais in 2010. Coming from Montauban (then placed in bankruptcy) where he was trained. “ It’s my thirteenth season here and I’m measuring how far I’ve come», smiles the front of duty, the exemplary leader.

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At the time, the Maritimes, freshly promoted to the Top 14, immediately took the elevator in the opposite direction. And nothing suggests that the Old Port would celebrate its heroes twice in one year, crowned European champions after two Homeric finals against the Irish province of Leinster.

He will join the staff of the Espoir team

“With Uini (Atonio), we often repeat that nine years ago, we played in the Pro D2 final against Agen. Since then, we have come a long way. It happened so quickly. But we are here to experience moments like that, with this audience. This is exceptional. And it shows the progress of this fabulous club. I’m proud to be on this boat“, exults the second-line. Who was not against scrapping one more year on the pitch. Always a starter this season in the matches that matter, he proved that he was still at the level. And swore to feelno wearinessmental.

Stade Rochelais, however, preferred not to extend his contract for one season, stopping his counter at nearly 350 matches in the young and black jersey. Offering him to join the staff of the Espoir team from the off-season. ignment accepted. With his aura with the kids and a prize list, whatever happens on Saturday evening, already enviable.

“Now it’s Romain Sazy, legend with two stars. And that means a lot to me.» Ronan O’Gara

After the second European coronation, a month ago in Dublin, the Irish manager of Stade Rochelais had these words for the glorious grognard of the club. “13 months ago, Romain Sazy was a Stade Rochelais player. Now it’s Romain Sazy, legend with two stars. And that means a lot to me…With an extra shield, he would go straight into the Maritime Club’s Hall of Fame.

The coach of the La Rochelle forwards, Romain Carmignani has not forgotten the beginnings of Romain the faithful. At the time, he was still playing. He remembers a young man of 24 who had agreed to help by playing his first match in his new colors despite… a broken foot. “I admire his consistency and discipline in repeating performances. In thirteen years, he has never missed a traininggreets the former third-line. His selflessness has always impressed me. Humility work, never one word higher than the other. The club suits him. And reciprocally.“A good and long way together which could be rewarded with a magnificent trophy this Saturday evening.