Sebastien Chabal interview and France video tribute
We chatted to Grand Slam winner and French rugby icon Sebastien Chabal recently to find out a little more about the man behind the beard. Seabass let's us know what music gets him fired up, what he would be doing if he wasn't a rugby player, and tells us about his relationship with Ali Williams.
RD: Congratulations for winning the Grand Slam. How great did it feel beating England in Paris, and who had the biggest hangover the next day?
Beating England in Paris really was enjoyable, though the greatest feeling actually was winning the Grand Slam. I can’t tell the truth if I want to have a chance to get selected ever again…
RD: Who would you consider to be the French player of the tournament?
Lionel Nallet
RD: How are you enjoying your time back in France at Racing Metro?
First I would like to say that I had 5 really good years in Manchester. After this quite long period it was time for me to go back home. I joined a really good club. I am enjoying my time with the Racing Metro 92. In Paris, you can also go out and have a good meal, which I have missed during my time in England.
RD: The Sharks in Durban have had a few French players enjoy their time there - Thierry Lacroix, Olivier Roumat, Frederic Michalak. Have you ever considered playing in the Super 14 yourself, or anywhere else?
I have had an opportunity to play for the Sharks in Durban but I preferred to stay with the sale sharks. I wanted to go play in Japan but it was too difficult because of my family and now at 32, I am going to end my career in France.
RD: You've dished out many big hits, but who has hit YOU the hardest?
No one I can remember.
RD: Have you spoken to Ali Williams since breaking his jaw a few years ago?
I spoke with him when we went on tour with France in New Zealand, in 2008. Before that, right before the 2007 World Cup in France, the NZ federation asked to all supporters to send out some soup recipes to make sure Ali could eat and be ready to take part in the tournament. It was a success, and a recipe book was issued. Ali sent me one with a note. That was funny.
RD: You’re one of the world’s most feared players in world rugby. Is there a player or team that you consider quite terrifying, and who is the best player you’ve played with or against?
The South African team and without doubt, I can say Jason Robinson.
RD: What is your first choice position?
Number 8
RD: The second try you scored against Namibia in the 2007 World Cup was without a doubt one of the tries of the tournament. Do you have a favourite try that you’ve scored over the years?
No, to be honest I don’t remember much of the tries I scored.
RD: Who were your rugby and other sporting heroes growing up?
I never had any sporting hero.
RD: If a charity close to your heart requested that you shave your hair and beard for money, would you consider it?
If they really needed money I think we could do a lot of things to raise money with my hair and my beard still on my head.
RD: What’s your favourite band to listen to before a match?
ACDC
RD: Away from rugby, what are your favourite things to do in your spare time?
Playing cards and poker in particular.
RD: You’re quite an intimidating character. Does Sebastien Chabal have a good sense of humour?
OOOOOOOOOOH yes. I can joke and laugh about everything.
RD: Is it true that you once took a run up and charged through the bouncers in a night club in Galway because they wouldn't let you in?
Where is Galway…?
RD: If you had never made it as a rugby player, what would you be doing now?
Mechanics
RD: What is the inspiration behind your leg tattoo, and where did you get it?
I started it in 2000 in Bourgoin-jallieu and never had it finished. It’s stayed like this until now.
RD: Do you have any regrets about not going to play for Toulon?
No, I don’t have any regrets because I am now playing in an proficient and very ambitious club, though I am pleased that Toulon remained in the top 14, and even after signing for the Racing, I wish Toulon the best.
RD: Lastly, have you ever visited Rugbydump before and what are your feelings on sharing rugby clips on the internet?
I don’t watch or read much about rugby on the internet or in the papers, though it’s nice to share some good videos, whether there are regarding rugby or anything else.
Chabal recently relaunched his website at SebastienChabal.fr. Visit the site to read Racing Metro news, find out more about him, and see some great behind the scenes pictures and videos of what Seabass gets up to, both and and off the pitch. You can follow him on Twitter at @sebchabal, and also in English @sebchabal_eng.
As a bonus, we've included this great France video tribute that features the best action from the Grand Slam winning side over the last few months. Enjoy.
RD: Congratulations for winning the Grand Slam. How great did it feel beating England in Paris, and who had the biggest hangover the next day?
Beating England in Paris really was enjoyable, though the greatest feeling actually was winning the Grand Slam. I can’t tell the truth if I want to have a chance to get selected ever again…
RD: Who would you consider to be the French player of the tournament?
Lionel Nallet
RD: How are you enjoying your time back in France at Racing Metro?
First I would like to say that I had 5 really good years in Manchester. After this quite long period it was time for me to go back home. I joined a really good club. I am enjoying my time with the Racing Metro 92. In Paris, you can also go out and have a good meal, which I have missed during my time in England.
RD: The Sharks in Durban have had a few French players enjoy their time there - Thierry Lacroix, Olivier Roumat, Frederic Michalak. Have you ever considered playing in the Super 14 yourself, or anywhere else?
I have had an opportunity to play for the Sharks in Durban but I preferred to stay with the sale sharks. I wanted to go play in Japan but it was too difficult because of my family and now at 32, I am going to end my career in France.
RD: You've dished out many big hits, but who has hit YOU the hardest?
No one I can remember.
RD: Have you spoken to Ali Williams since breaking his jaw a few years ago?
I spoke with him when we went on tour with France in New Zealand, in 2008. Before that, right before the 2007 World Cup in France, the NZ federation asked to all supporters to send out some soup recipes to make sure Ali could eat and be ready to take part in the tournament. It was a success, and a recipe book was issued. Ali sent me one with a note. That was funny.
RD: You’re one of the world’s most feared players in world rugby. Is there a player or team that you consider quite terrifying, and who is the best player you’ve played with or against?
The South African team and without doubt, I can say Jason Robinson.
RD: What is your first choice position?
Number 8
RD: The second try you scored against Namibia in the 2007 World Cup was without a doubt one of the tries of the tournament. Do you have a favourite try that you’ve scored over the years?
No, to be honest I don’t remember much of the tries I scored.
RD: Who were your rugby and other sporting heroes growing up?
I never had any sporting hero.
RD: If a charity close to your heart requested that you shave your hair and beard for money, would you consider it?
If they really needed money I think we could do a lot of things to raise money with my hair and my beard still on my head.
RD: What’s your favourite band to listen to before a match?
ACDC
RD: Away from rugby, what are your favourite things to do in your spare time?
Playing cards and poker in particular.
RD: You’re quite an intimidating character. Does Sebastien Chabal have a good sense of humour?
OOOOOOOOOOH yes. I can joke and laugh about everything.
RD: Is it true that you once took a run up and charged through the bouncers in a night club in Galway because they wouldn't let you in?
Where is Galway…?
RD: If you had never made it as a rugby player, what would you be doing now?
Mechanics
RD: What is the inspiration behind your leg tattoo, and where did you get it?
I started it in 2000 in Bourgoin-jallieu and never had it finished. It’s stayed like this until now.
RD: Do you have any regrets about not going to play for Toulon?
No, I don’t have any regrets because I am now playing in an proficient and very ambitious club, though I am pleased that Toulon remained in the top 14, and even after signing for the Racing, I wish Toulon the best.
RD: Lastly, have you ever visited Rugbydump before and what are your feelings on sharing rugby clips on the internet?
I don’t watch or read much about rugby on the internet or in the papers, though it’s nice to share some good videos, whether there are regarding rugby or anything else.
Chabal recently relaunched his website at SebastienChabal.fr. Visit the site to read Racing Metro news, find out more about him, and see some great behind the scenes pictures and videos of what Seabass gets up to, both and and off the pitch. You can follow him on Twitter at @sebchabal, and also in English @sebchabal_eng.
__________________________________________
As a bonus, we've included this great France video tribute that features the best action from the Grand Slam winning side over the last few months. Enjoy.
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35 Comments:
Merci!
By Anonymous, at April 23, 2010 10:13 am
Good idea to publish some interviews! RCS
By Anonymous, at April 23, 2010 10:21 am
Hahahaha.....He Can't remember Galway because i knocked him on his ass!!:-)
By Anonymous, at April 23, 2010 10:27 am
Yar Metallica!
By Jordan, at April 23, 2010 11:30 am
thanks RD
By Anonymous, at April 23, 2010 11:45 am
video is great! how about french music maybe
anyway well done
By sebastian, at April 23, 2010 11:47 am
Good interview with Chabal, his answers are direct as always lol.
Loving the tribute video as well, quite moving. :D
By Promethean, at April 23, 2010 12:30 pm
Ha ACDC! Who'd've thought...
By Alexander, at April 23, 2010 12:42 pm
Is this the most boring guy ever or what?
And a very limited rugbyplayer as well.
By Cmon, at April 23, 2010 1:13 pm
Great video, thanks RD.
And whats the story behind the club in Galway?
By Conor, at April 23, 2010 1:14 pm
lol the best bit is:
Have you taken any big hits?
'no-one I can remember'
maybe Leguizamon smashed him so hard that he has no recollection of it..
By Argentinian, at April 23, 2010 2:35 pm
I agree with Cmon's statement. That was perhaps one of the most boring interviews I've ever read. Chabal answered everything as shortly as he could and for a few answers he didn't remember, or the answer was no, I didn't have any, or that's the way it is.
I guess he is a caveman.
By Anonymous, at April 23, 2010 3:06 pm
the story in galway was, when he was with sale sharks playing connaught in the callenge cup, they went out after winning and were not allowed into halo or cps nightclub (not sure which one). The team then decided to charge at the bouncers and into the club.
In my opinion the interview was hilarious, it showcases chabals tough no shit personality
By con_fan, at April 23, 2010 3:35 pm
Made a career out of 2 big hits against the all blacks, a bear and long hair!
I blame the media....Chabal is just being himself in this interview...... he remains a regular guy that the media frenzy hasn't changed. I give him huge credits for that.
By Unknown, at April 23, 2010 3:40 pm
He sounds kinda cold ... my opinion anyway. Maybe he would be more friendly if he was interviewed in French? I don't remember the exact details, but once he did not want to answer in English in a post match interview or something?
By JLH, at April 23, 2010 4:06 pm
Yeah, it was a little disappointing, but that's the way he is. It's either extremely dry humour or borderline grumpy. Hard to tell. He's certainly no Skeato when it comes to answers.
By Greiffel, at April 23, 2010 4:46 pm
As you could've expected, his website is in french, with no english or international option!
By Anonymous, at April 23, 2010 4:46 pm
Great interview, thanx RD !
Chabal is not cold, he just don't like talking too much :D
But he's a huggy bear... :D
By 4LC4TR4Z, at April 23, 2010 5:18 pm
Talkative chap, isn't he...
RD - did he insist on doing the interview in French?
What a hero - one of the few Frenchmen I wouldn't make 'white flag' jokes about.
By HM, at April 23, 2010 6:37 pm
...just wondering (genuinely) if the intervew was in french?
any answer RD?
By Sam, at April 23, 2010 6:58 pm
"Made a career out of 2 big hits against the all blacks, a bear and long hair!
I blame the media....Chabal is just being himself in this interview...... he remains a regular guy that the media frenzy hasn't changed. I give him huge credits for that."
he is a great club player. a bit limited for an international but he does his best. Was very impressive with sale and is having a great season with racing 92
To be remembered, he is not a public school boy, he was working in a factory when his talent was discovered.
By alasdair, at April 23, 2010 8:34 pm
Come on guys - cut him some slack, his 1st language isn't english!!!
By Anonymous, at April 23, 2010 8:52 pm
Personally I think Chabal is a little overrated.
That tribute video is awesome though. At 1:06 the French pack just destroyed the Saffa scrum and the forwards are celebrating by going berzerk.
By happy slapper, at April 24, 2010 12:07 am
that was a damn good video, woot woot for metallica!!!
By VictorSoCalRuggger, at April 24, 2010 4:32 am
It was done in English, and we all know how he feels about that -
Sebastien Chabal doesnt want to speak English
By GMC, at April 24, 2010 10:31 am
only good bit was "though it’s nice to share some good videos, whether there are regarding rugby or ANYTHING ELSE." hahaha
By rosh, at April 24, 2010 11:06 am
Marc Andrie is awesome, he's even smaller than shane williams, LEGEND :D.
that welsh interpection pass still makes me wince. Bloody fantastic video.
By David, at April 24, 2010 12:27 pm
thanks!
3 years now that I check RD everyday,
RD is GREAT!
By Anonymous, at April 24, 2010 1:01 pm
"At 1:06 the French pack just destroyed the Saffa scrum and the forwards are celebrating by going berzerk."
I like that moment too but what I like most is Smit's beaming smile in the background at the same time!
By Maximus, at April 24, 2010 1:43 pm
I just read the interview was in english, perhaps its just the fact that english isnt his first language and the interview was done in english...so maybe he doesnt feel 100% confident speaking english and therefore his character doesnt shine through.
I mean, i did fairly well in my spanish GCSE a fair few years back, but i cant imagine any of my personality would come through if/when i spoke it....
For example:
RD: You've dished out many big hits, but who has hit YOU the hardest?
No one I can remember.
That ^^^ could be construed as 'no one that really bothered me, or no one has actually hit me that hard (im so tough) yadda yadda yadda' or it could be 'There's been one or two, but i cant remember the impact...and to tell the truth i dont remember much after the hit either...' as in, sh*t they hit me so damn hard my head was spinning for days....
nonetheless well done to RD, fantastic effort getting this interview!!
By No.7, at April 24, 2010 2:07 pm
I love the scrum at 1:30, awesome technique, the french second rows like coiled springs just before the ball comes in, they are pretty much in their knees...
at 2:00...needs someone like Shaw to get the job done...lol
would agree with chabal on Nallet, an awesome player!!!
By Anonymous, at April 24, 2010 2:19 pm
merci guetteba!
on sent beaucoup d'amour dans cette video.
Moi aussi je suis amoureux...
Et avec un peu de chance, on peut faire quelque chose de grand en NZ
By kevdetoulouse, at April 24, 2010 9:58 pm
Absolutely perfect clip.
By Anonymous, at April 25, 2010 8:20 pm
haha! OOOOOOOOOOOOOH YES!
By Anonymous, at April 26, 2010 3:22 pm
How cheesy. Nice vid though, watch it as much as you can before it gets removed due to claims from the BBC.
By AF, at April 27, 2010 9:53 am
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