Paul Willemse on a potential return: “I am ready to join the team if necessary”

What if Paul Willemse returned to the Blues during the World Cup? A week before the clash against New Zealand at the opening of the World Cup (27-13), the second row of the Blues injured his right thigh in training with his Montpellier club, forcing him to forfeit . But to date, the colossus of the MHR (2.01 m, 127 kg) is quickly recovering and applying for a potential return. “I stand ready to join the team if necessary, the time to get back on my feet, within a week or two, it should be good,” he indicated in an episode of the official podcast of the 2023 World Cup, produced by World Rugby.

“At the moment, I would say I am at 70%. Over the next few weeks, I’ll make sure everything is going well, and we’ll see what happens. » The one who had already missed the previous edition in Japan is one of the 12 reservists of the XV of France and cannot therefore be recalled with a simple snap of the fingers.

“As long as there are no injuries, there is no reason to think about anything”

William Servat, forward coach of the XV of France

The former Grenoblois must indeed count on the withdrawal of one of the 33 Blues to be able to hope to take part in the World Cup, as William Servat, the forwards coach of the XV of France, recalled at a press conference on Tuesday. “Having the opportunity to call up players like Paul Willemse is very good news, but as long as there are no injuries there is no reason to think about anything. »

One thing is certain: Willemse will continue to be one of the Blues’ most fervent supporters. “I got used to it. With each hard blow during my career, I always gave myself several days to digest. I’m a pretty emotional eater, so I get over it by eating steaks one after the other. »