Rugby fans should watch out for a special French attraction this July. The towering bearded lock Sebastien Chabal from the French Alpes is touring with France.
He is known for his wild beard and his long hair, leading to French rugby fans nicknaming him l’Homme des Cavernes, or the Caveman.
He is also famous for a number of eccentric moments in his rugby career.
These include missing a tackle on an opponent and tackling the linesman instead and lurching towards the referee when blown up trying to tackle a player.
Once, whilst attempting a small kick just behind the back line, he miscued the kick and subsequently attempted to kick the ball over the posts whilst it was still on the ground.
Although Chabal is primarily a backrow player, former French coach Bernard Laporte frequently used him as a lock.
In a 2007 interview, Chabal said that Laporte called him just before the French squad was announced for the 2007 World Cup and told him, “I really want to pick you, but to play second row.” Chabal accepted Laporte’s offer.
I’m a big fan. Chabal is a true rugby entertainer.
“A votre sante, Chabal.”
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Barrell Roll said | June 11th 2008 @ 2:51am | Report comment
Another overrated northern hemishphere tight forward.
Come on Bob, tell us howy this guy is going to take us apart, and why it won’t mean anything when he gets dished up?
Chabal is famous for looking like a Chechnyan terrorist, not for winning lineout ball or cleaning blokes out.
bob said | June 11th 2008 @ 8:33am | Report comment
I think he’s okay, he certainly wont be backing down, but he plays in the premiership in England week in and week out, and makes no real impact…. however Barrell Roll, he’ll still take you apart!
But mate, he’s French… do what you want with him…. as a pom I’m not exactly going to worry am I? Incase you didn’t already know, England and France are different countries .
Jerry said | June 11th 2008 @ 9:03am | Report comment
Chabal is seriously over-rated. Other than a good hit on Masoe and a good run vs England in a meaningless World Cup warmup he’s done little of interest but cause he looks interesting people seem to think he’s a legend.
chris ash said | June 11th 2008 @ 10:54am | Report comment
my mum thinks he looks like jesus
Jerry said | June 11th 2008 @ 11:44am | Report comment
Don’t f**k with the Jesus.
Sledgeandhammer said | June 11th 2008 @ 10:06pm | Report comment
Chabal’s awesome, great to have a real character in the game. Agreed he’s not the world’s best player, but I was impressed with how he lead from the front against the all blacks in nz last year. Plus, I”ve never seen anyone with such long arms – knuckles almost drag along the ground – funnily enough if you shaved the beard he’d look a bit like SBW.
Long live the caveman!