“Never give up” – France’s Eneka Labeyrie dreams of the Six Nations

Eneka Labeyrie tells Nicola Smith about the Six Nations, what life’s been like in her first season in England, at Leicester Tigers, and why her timing might just be perfect…

At just 22, Eneka Labeyrie is still in the foothills of her rugby journey, but her quiet determination and drive are clear.

From watching the Six Nations as a child to representing France in last summer’s U20 Six Nations Summer Series, then making the bold move to England to join Leicester Tigers at a challenging time, she is edging ever closer to her dream of playing for France in the next World Cup.

Her timing could prove to be perfect. New French coach, François Ratier (below, left) selected 16 uncapped players in his 38 player Six Nations training squad in March, with an average age of just 24. His motto? “If you’re good enough, you’re old enough.”

France captain, Manaé Felau (below, right) also says she is “hopeful” that the youngsters she regularly trains with in the U20 squad will break through, citing a “new energy, a new dynamic”.

As Ratier rebuilds the team, Labeyrie is firmly on his radar, while a senior place is on hers…

Let’s start with France. What does the Six Nations mean to you and to France?

So obviously, since last year, it’s like revenge and it’s a good opportunity to have great games against big nations; to play the game French people play, enjoy it — and, maybe, win the title. So it’s huge.

With both France and England undefeated in the final match of the last Six Nations, before England beat France by a point in the decider, I’m sure you’re right — France will be out for vengeance…

Ha, it’s always a tough game against England, so yeah, it’s a great opportunity to try to beat them, but also to see the different ways of playing.

I guess that rivalry is a common topic of conversation with your English teammates now you’re playing in England?

Yeah, especially after this men’s Six Nations! We talked about the last game against France, because it was such a big, tight game. It was interesting to watch and to talk about the difference between the French flair and the English game, which is more constructed. It was funny but still enjoyable, because it’s rugby.

What’s your first memory of the Six Nations?

My first memory would be watching the men’s Six Nations with my father when I was little. When I started to play rugby with the girls and within the women’s environment, I saw the sport growing, so then it was a huge thing to have the women’s Six Nations on TV.

As a player, I was like, ‘Oh, maybe one day it’s possible now, because it’s not only for the men — the women are on TV.’ It was a good push.

It certainly is possible — you represented France under-20s in the Six Nations last year. Is the senior squad the dream now?

Yeah, it was a great opportunity with the under-20s. It was a great tournament (above and below). The first step was amazing. It’s a fantastic memory. And then obviously, if an opportunity is possible in the future for me with the senior team, it will be amazing — just like a dream.

But I’m in England now and I’m enjoying the games here and the championship, the professional way of playing. So yeah, I’ll have to wait and see!

How close does that next step feel and what do you need to do to get there?

I don’t know how far away that is. I just try to play my best every game, to give 100% for the team, and I’m trying to improve each area for my position as a nine — my skill sets, my passes, my kicking. Yeah, kicking is the biggest step for me to improve in order to be one of the best players because it’s so important.

And then just watching more games, playing more games. But if I have an opportunity, I will take it, for sure.

It must be inspiring that François Ratier’s training squad is so young, that he’s bringing in so many uncapped players for the coming Six Nations. He also says “you don’t have to play in France to play for France.” Does that make the opportunity feel within reach?

Yeah, it’s exciting and, like you say, it’s a very young team. Some of my friends from the under 20s are in the squad, so it’s great for them; I’m so happy for them. And yeah, maybe one day. I’m still young, so I’m excited for the future.

Which players in the current France set-up really inspire you — and keep you out of the senior team?

Currently, in my position as the number nine is Pauline Bourdon Sansus. She has been the number nine for a few years now. She’s great, she’s fast, she sees the game. She is a French player that we all love.

And then there’s Alex Chambon, who is playing in Clermont at the moment. She’s younger [26], but she has a great kick. When I did the camp with her, she taught me good things about kicking.

I think I can learn from the older girls above me so it’s a great opportunity. I can’t wait to watch the Six Nations games and learn from them so I will grow.

And at Leicester Tigers you have been playing with former Scotland scrum-half, Jenny Maxwell, who retired from playing this month?

Yes, absolutely, Jenny was really inspiring for me. I have really learnt from her, her speed, her passing.

But I am learning constantly, from everyone — both French and English players.

What is your view on France’s chances this year?

I think they have the chance to win, of course! With young girls, a new squad, new coaches, it’s a new chapter so I think maybe it can be the year the team grow together and create a new environment, a new mood. I think it is the year that they can beat England…I hope so!

It sounds like you believe France have made good progress since the last Six Nations?

I think they’ve been progressing through the whole year because also the French championship is growing. It’s starting to be live streamed on the TV so the girls have more visibility.

So it’s like a circle — they can grow and progress in the clubs and then, during the season, they also have [international] camps often. So I think it’s good progress through the whole year.

Any players we should watch out for?

In the forwards, Manaé Feleu. She’s a great leader — I did a training camp with her and I saw how she leads by example in the rugby field and how she inspires, it’s good to see.

Also, definitely Kelly Arbey the winger [for the future]. She’s 22, she’s fresh, she’s very fast, she can win her duel in the wing. She is a good player to watch.

Let’s talk Leicester Tigers. How have you found your first season after arriving from Lyon?

It’s challenging and this is exactly what I wanted in terms of rugby, because it’s not the same way to play [as in France] and I wanted to discover something new.

It was a tough season for us as a team, but I can feel that we are growing, and we keep building together. We have an amazing group, and I feel like I am part of something. I’m enjoying my rugby journey.

In a personal way, it’s challenging for me to learn a new language and new culture, and this is what I wanted. Thanks to rugby, I’m able to do it. I’m trying to learn every day from everyone. I want to keep fighting for this team and keep working hard to be better.

Does Leicester – and England – feel like home now?

I can say it feels like home now because I’m lucky. I’m living with the other international girls. We all have our families far away, so we created this space, so we are like a family.

We live together; we are here for each other. When we have tough moments, such as after losing a game, we are here for each other. So it’s great for me – it’s like home.

You say it’s been a challenging season and that can either divide a team or bring it closer together. It sounds like you’ve still got great team spirit even though you haven’t been as successful as you would like on the field?

Yeah, exactly. After each loss, we feel like we are more connected, and we are more together. Each weekend there are more positives, there are more improvements. We really want to grow as a team because we have lots of new people and we want to stay connected. I think we’re doing great from that point of view.

And in terms of personal progress, how do you feel your own game has developed at Tigers?

I am lucky because I have had a lot of game time. I can feel progress in my decision making and in my skill set, and also how I communicate with the girls, using my voice, leading more, which I have to do as a number nine.

I feel like I’m more confident now and I’m speaking better English. It’s a great opportunity for me.

And what would you say have been the highlights of the season for you so far?

I usually try to find highlights in the team. We celebrate the small wins –so for example, when someone scores or does a great turnover, we cheer together. That’s my highlights.

That’s very modest but you have also scored two tries – surely these are personal highlights?

Yeah, personally, my first try felt great. It was after a maul, the forwards did the job, and I saw a little gap and I took it. It was a great move. The girls cheered with me and I was proud to score for this team, for the Tigers. My family also saw me on TV, so I made them proud.

Do your family watch every game?

Yes, it’s great, with the Premiership Women’s Rugby they can watch all the games live on YouTube from France. And my father — who is not a good texter, but loves rugby — he loves to analyse. So after each game I get a little message. He’s always honest with me, and this is what I like.

Leicester Tigers have just a couple of games left this season. What are your hopes?

I think if we believe in ourselves, and if we are giving 100%, anything is possible. I will do everything so we can win a game, so maybe our highlights for the season are still to come? It’s not done yet.

That’s a great attitude – it means anything is possible! And what about your longer-term aspirations for your own career?

Of course, I think about it a bit. There’s the next World Cup in four years in Australia and obviously it’s in my mind, how I can find an opportunity to maybe be part of the French squad. I’ll keep working and progressing.

But also, I love travelling and discovering new things so yeah, if I have an opportunity I would love to discover new rugby in different places.

Finally, what’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned this year?

I think it’s to never give up. When you lose every weekend you could lose hope or argue with your teammates but it’s very important to never give up and to see how lucky we are to have each other and be together.

So I would say, never give up and remember you are not alone.

Photos: Leicester Tigers, Instagram