national. Paul Altier, the speed and vista asset of Dijon from Asia
This Saturday, Dijon will travel to Tarbes as part of the 4th day of National. After three matches, the Burgundians occupy 5th place in the standings. If they had started the 2021/2022 exercise with a setback at home during the reception of Albi, they went to win on the lawn of SA XV (16-20), former resident of Pro D2. A first success followed by another at home against another candidate for the final stages, the CSBJ (19-16). The Dijonnais are therefore confident before this fourth game.
To try to win against the Tarbais, they can count on the experience of Paul Altier. This Saturday, he will start for the fourth time in as many games. A high V speed adaptation for this English born in Thailand who played until now in Hong Kong. Before playing his first minutes, he expects “to a very physical and very hard championship, because not all matches will be obvious. “But he was eager to evolve under his new colors. Paul tells us that he always wanted to live in France.”I love the country and the culture so obviously I had dreamed of it for a very long time. ” His arrival in Dijon was made thanks to his performances in Asia. “After performances with the Hong-Kong U20s, I was spotted by a British agent (Richard Emms) who put me in contact with an agent based here in France (Gaetän Mermoz). Thanks to them, I was able to sign my first professional contract in France and I thank them very much.“
Despite his young age, 21, Paul Altier is already an experienced player. He started playing rugby at the age of seven in Hong Kong. “I did seven and fifteen throughout with the national team (U14, U16, U18, U20) when I was in school. After the 12th grade, I signed a pro contract with the Hong Kong seven-a-side team. After that I went to study in England where I played for the University of Bath in the University Championship.“Two years later, he signed a one-year contract with the team at 15. He has precious memories of his life as a rugby player in Asia as when he won the Hong Kong Championship with his training club at the age of 18.
From now on, he is focused on this new adventure in France. He hopes to contribute to the squad as much as possible to wait for the club’s goals. “I really want to have a good year for my first season in France. Has great ambitions. With our squad, it is very possible, but we will have to hang on every weekend and work, show what we are able to do on the ground consistently.“From a personal point of view, he knows he still has to work to be the most effective in his job.”I would like to improve my reading of the game that will come by playing more often in a competitive championship like the National. “His vista and his rods on his raises will be a plus for Dijon this season.