Renaud Bourel (with F.Be., G.Du.) in Wellington - published on July 10, 2025 at 10:12 pm
Nothing predestined Gaëtan Barlot to become the 100th captain in the history of the French national team other than his immense passion for rugby and his self-confidence. These qualities carried him all the way to New Zealand and a second test in which he will show off his new stripes on Saturday (9.05am).
What does destiny depend on? On the thoughtful words of a coach who looks beyond the frame. With the faith of a teacher who doesn't mind if the coloring goes a little overboard, because it's applied with energy and, above all, passion. Gaëtan Barlot, 10 caps, 28, will be the 100th captain in the history of the French national team, on Saturday: "I've been thinking about all the good years, about all the people who have helped me get to this point.
Just where others thought they'd never see him, a couple of years ago, the aspiring pro. "Eight years ago to the day, I was in the Colomiers coach's office and we were discussing whether I should go into the Fédérale or stick with the Espoirs, even though it was complicated," he rewinds. And now I'm captain of the French national team..." A huge smile stretches across his face. Is he dreaming? No, he's not. Because this rugby fanatic has always been self-confident.
Back to the Colomiers coach's office. It's 2017, he's 20, finished his studies, and there's no Espoirs contract available: "I was getting €200 at the time, and I was thinking, "What am I going to do next year?" Because €200 is enough to live on... I told my coach I was going to go to Fédérale so I could work on the side." Fabien Berneau, his coach at the time, refused the idea. "He told me: "No, really, hang in there! You can do it!"