Charles Ollivon’s path to the France captaincy is one of the more unlikely journeys, so it should come as no surprise that the back-rower intends to drink in every moment of this year’s Guinness Six Nations.
Last season Ollivon was not even sure if he would play again after undergoing surgery on a troublesome shoulder.
A final operation seems to have resolved the issue however, and after being a last-minute call-up for the World Cup, Ollivon is now set to take on the captaincy under new coach Fabien Galthié.
And for a man who has only made one previous Championship appearance, that really is special.
He said: “It means so much. When it was announced, I stood a bit taller because you sense a responsibility. There is a responsibility because it means a lot for your family, firstly, but also for French rugby, for the coaches, the players, professional and amateur rugby, so it means a lot. You stand a bit taller and it’s exciting because they are unique moments, it’s very powerful.
“There will be the anthems, there will be some standout moments during the Championship and it’s those moments when there is lots of emotion that are the best. It’s exciting to be able to take part in the Guinness Six Nations as captain.
“(My journey) means that I’ve changed my vision of things. I try to enjoy everything, I am able to take a step back. My approach to rugby and life in general has changed since I’ve had a few struggles. I realise that all these moments, you have to make the most of them.
“There is a lot of joy, happiness, pride, there are lots of words you could use describe it. You have to make the most of it because a career goes quickly. These are the moments that bring out fantastic emotions in you. We want to experience those emotions because those are the moments that stay with you.”
