Much used since the beginning of the season by Ronan O'Gara, Pierre and Paul Boudehent have taken a new dimension with the Stade Rochelais. The winger (24 years old) and the flanker (23 years old) are playing their last games before being separated for the first time at the end of the season.
The Boudehents are efficient men who don't ask themselves questions. Inseparable since their training in Angers, then at Stade Nantais, Pierre and Paul Boudehent are beginning to be experienced in professional games. While the winger began his Top 14 adventure in 2017, the flanker joined his brother a year later. Since then, the two native Angevins have continued to grow in stature within a four-star squad.
This season, the flanker has played fourteen games against sixteen for the winger. Scorer on four occasions, Pierre is much more used than last season. "It's a reward for the work I'm doing at the club, I want to get out there. I have improved my regularity, my confidence and a more rigorous lifestyle (laughs)".
Aware of the rarity of being able to play with his brother, Pierre Boudehent keeps his head on his shoulders when talking about this very special sporting relationship:"Today we are used to it. We don't think about it too much anymore, it's a huge pride for our parents. It's something quite rare, we are very happy and proud. At the end of each game, we see them all the time and we hug each other. I hope to continue with him, but I know that I will leave at the end of the season so I enjoy every moment". The winger from La Rochelle revealed to Rugbyrama thathe will be a player of the Stade Français next season.
Paul Boudehent had his second taste of the number 8 position in his young career at the end of December against Perpignan. The youngest of the siblings, who is well-versed in the position of third row wing, wants to improve his ball-in-hand game and be more useful in the Rochelais attacking game. Without Yoan Tanga, injured, and Gregory Alldritt who will be retained for the 6 Nations Tournament, the young flanker has a real card to play. "I'm in my comfort zone when I'm a third row wing. When I play 8, there is more challenge and more responsibility. I have to be clinical on defense at all times while trying to make good balls happen. That means better placement in attack."
The one who has always "naturally followed" his brother does not intend to make any preferences compared to other players from La Rochelle. For all that, Paul Boudehent always observes his elder brother with more attention. "Once we are on the field, we have our bearings and I don't communicate more with Pierre than with another winger. We do our job but it's always different when Pierre has the ball, I keep an eye on him (laughs)".
A few months before their separation, Paul Boudehent admits to being "a little sad. After I wish the best for him, the future will tell us if it is a good or bad decision. I will always support him, it's a new start for him. But it will be more complicated for the parents who will have to travel to Paris (laughs)" joked the youngest, who would like to offer a second trophy to his brother before seeing him join the capital.