XV of France. Dimitri Delibes (Toulouse): “Not to be called? Logical given my performances”
Through Clement Mazella
Published on
In September 2022, Fabien Galthié, coach of the XV of Francedropped the name of Dimitri Delibesamong others, such as UFO potential (these players come out of nowhere and explode very quickly) for the Blues.
During the autumn tour that followed, the Toulouse three-quarters made his first appearance in the list of 42 of the XV of France. Delibes, trained in Blagnac (Haute-Garonne), had not been capped, but he had tasted the national team for the first time.
Not called for the 2023 6 Nations Tournament
This convocation in November was not followed up, Delibes not appearing in the enlarged group of the Blues for the 2023 6 Nations Tournament. ” Disappointment ? Yes, specially. When you tasted the Blues, you want to be there again and again, “said, facing the press this Wednesday 1uh February 2023, the person concerned.
Dimitri Delibes however admitted that he had not been “surprised” not to be retained by the tricolor coaching. “It makes sense given my performance. I haven’t been in a good period lately,” he said. Before continuing: “I stayed in Toulouse, I played, and playing, I was the happiest”.
Delibes extended in Toulouse
If he has already played 17 games this season, it is clear that Dimitri Delibes has had a bad shot lately. The 23-year-old center or winger readily acknowledges this, and explains that his mind has been somewhat occupied with his contractual situation. He was free in the summer of 2023, and many echoes are part of Toulouse’s interest in international Damian Penaud.
The latter finally opted for Bordeaux-Bèglesand at the same time, Toulouse has extended several of its playersincluding Dimitri Delibes, until 2026. “It was a special period because it was the first time that I had to manage my extension as a professional player”, explained the one who joined the Rouge et Noir in 2018.
He admitted that he now had “much more peace of mind.” I think of other things, and I take more pleasure on the ground. And to have extended in Toulouse, it was obvious for him:
There is a continuity, a certain logic. Here I am at home. My family lives here, I have my friends, I started rugby in Blagnac. When you talked about young Stade Toulousain or saw this team on TV, you had to have stars in your eyes.
Play and win titles
Freed from this weight, Dimitri Delibes now wishes to continue his ascent. In a corner of the head, it nourishes this desire to win titles, having a “taste of unfinished” at this level: “when we won in 2019, then did the double in 2021, I hardly played. I accompany the group, or made a few appearances. But now the goal is to be on the field and go and win titles”.
Before thinking about a title, Stade Toulousain, current leader of the Top 14, will have to avoid falling into the Bayonne trap, this Saturday February 4, at Ernest-Wallon (3 p.m.), to the 17e Top 14 day. “Everyone says that Bayonne plays maintenance; today is 5e of the rank. He hasn’t stolen anything, and is playing well. Toulouse will need a good Delibes to stay unbeaten at home this season.
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