Flament's special reunion against Argentina 

11/21/2024 09:31 AM

SPOTLIGHT: France lock Thibaud Flament faces Los Pumas on Friday holding a special relationship on and off the field with the South American country.

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As a 20-year-old, Flament spent a year of his studies at English university Loughborough working at the French embassy in Buenos Aires and playing for local side Club Newman.

Since that venture, Flament has gone on to represent Wasps in England, French Giants Toulouse and is in line to earn is 30th Test cap for France.

"I decided to spend the year in Argentina because I wanted to taste a different type of rugby, discover another country and travel," Flament told AFP on Wednesday.

"It was an important step in my construction as a player and a person.

"To be free for a year and try and build my dream there, was fabulous." the 2.03m tall lock added.

When Flament, who grew up in Belgium, arrived in the Argentine capital his work experience at the embassy was yet to be finalised and had nowhere to sleep but he did have a contact with Club Newman.

Flament had spoken to former Pumas and Newman hooker Marco Ayerza, who was playing for Leicester in England at the time.

"I was picked up at the airport by the team manager," Flament said.

"It was six in the morning, he took me straight to the clubhouse, it was gameday.

"I met the other guys in the team, and the adventure started like that," he added.

Flament started his Club Newman career in the fifth team before ending the season with the firsts and reached the Final of the national championship.

He jumped straight into the country's rugby culture, enjoying the traditional post-match and after training barbeques, asados.

"There was a clubhouse with everyone sat down to eat," Flament said.

"Then it was the evening, it was really nice. They are good memories," he added.

Since his try-scoring Test debut in 2021, against Argentina of all teams, Flament has become a mainstay in Fabien Galthie's side.

He started four Tests during the 2023 World Cup, including the quarterfinal loss against South Africa.

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"I'm now above the average age and caps in the squad so I'm well aware that things have changed " Flament said.

"I'm still enjoying things," he added.

Le Blues have started their November campaign impressively, hammering Japan before last weekend's close one-point win over the All Blacks.

Argentina come into Paris in the final match of their series having lost to Ireland this past weekend following an impressive year.

Argentina's season has included wins over the All Blacks, France during their scandal-hit tour and world champions South Africa.

"The Argentines are very hot-blooded," Flament said.

"They've been a confident team for a few months.

"I think it's going to be a tight game, which will not be too different to last week."

At the Stade de France, Flament will come up against fellow former Club Newman member in Pumas head coach Felipe Contepomi as well as Toulouse teammate in fullback Juan Cruz Mallia.

"I try to speak Spanish with him at the club to not forget it," Flament said.

"I have enough in my locker to try and pull his leg during the game."

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