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Rugby's caveman on his way to Australia, or not

15th February, 2012
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Roar Guru
15th February, 2012
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2332 Reads

When Sebastien Chabal and Racing Metro “parted in good terms” a couple of weeks ago, before a player rebellion against coach Pierre Berbizier, the 34-year-old French international Chabal said he had a few option.

He could stay in France, he could go to Japan… or he could play Super Rugby.

A few French teams were interested: new Top 14 side Lyon, as well as the other Parisian side, Stade Francais. So when this morning (Monday night in Europe, Tuesday 14 here) Sebastien Chabal gave an interview to French radio station RMC, all thought he was going to reveal the name of his new club.

Nope, it didn’t happen like this. “ I am going to tell you a little secret: I am soon going to play in Australia. I won’t tell you more. As of today nothing has been officialised,” said Chabal. He later tweeted “Koalas or kangaroos?”. One could equally choose to read that as “Super rugby or NRL?”

A later tweet indicated that he might be playing an exhibition match at Stadium Australia. But again, who can be sure?

The French Neanderthal icon down under? Chabal being Chabal, this cannot be taken literally. For a start, the man is well known for his metaphors, and prides himself in being elusive. Coming to our shores would be the biggest escape in French rugby history, as France’s daily L’Equipe reported a few hours earlier that he was close to a deal with Stade Francais.

Practically speaking, the Super Rugby is about to start and all teams have finalised their squads. Well, the Western Force still has permission to recruit a foreign player following Willie Ripia’s resignation, but hiring a forward to replace a fly-half doesn’t make sense. And yet, nothing is impossible these days.

In terms of rugby, Sebastien Chabal has never been considered a benchmark in France. A very good back row, or even a good lock in the last few years, yes. A reference, no.

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He learnt his rugby in a small town called Beauvallon before joining then first division side Bourgoin. He quickly got nicknamed cartouche (cartridge or bullet) due to his natural propensity to fighting. He became the ‘brand’ (no disrespect) and icon he is now when he started growing his hair and his beard while playing for Sale.

The Caveman was born. Women voted him the sexiest man in France and all the media wanted a piece of him. Yet this change of status didn’t seem to affect him, and he remained a man of a few words, elusive even during his rare interviews.

June 2007. A few months before the 2007 Rugby World Cup kicked off. France were in New Zealand for their end-of-season tour. Chabal was there. His presence in the Rugby World Cup squad was far from assured. A broken jaw and a knock-out later it was.

Who has forgotten Chris Masoe stumbling after being hammered by Chabal? Who doesn’t remember a sorry looking Ali Williams leaving the field, his jaw smashed? Chabal’s status had reached worldwide stardom.

Three months later, Cardiff, a 2007 Rugby World Cup quarter-final. Haka time. Chabal’s stare into All Black eyes will go viral around the world.

Lievremont often selected him as a second row off the bench in the years following, and he remained in contention for a 2011 Rugby World Cup spot until the very last minute.

Yet, he was eventually overlooked by Lievremont, who preferred youngsters Lakafia and Picamoles at No. 8, and locks Julien Pierre and Millo-Chluski. This year, Chabal didn’t play much with Racing Metro under Berbizier, as the former scrum-half didn’t want to offer him another lucrative two-year deal.

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So, Sebastien Chabal in Australia?

Wait and see. One thing is certain; this would be a huge marketing coup for any team in the country.

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