"It's like a dream to be in Toulon," Italian international Juan Ignacio Brex is euphoric about his arrival at RCT
And here's another Italian at the Toulon Rugby Club. Or rather, an Italian-Argentinian. Vice-captain of the Squadra Azzurra, Juan Ignacio Brex, known as "Nacho" (33 years old, 46 caps), joins the red and black squad as an experienced reinforcement and facilitator of the game. A star recruit for the three-quarter line this summer, the former Treviso center is opening up for the first time since his arrival.
Why did you accept Toulon's proposal?
It's a club I've always watched. When I watched rugby on TV when I was younger, it was often Toulon, especially during the glory years, 2013, 2014, 2015... I loved it. I also have friends who played here, like Facundo Isa. They told me a lot about the club, which is historic in France. For me, it's like a dream to be here. I didn't think this dream would come true. But it did. And I'm so happy!
Was it the right time to leave Italy?
After eight years there, and because things had changed at the club [Treviso, where he had been playing since 2017] , it was time for me to move. I found this great opportunity and, of course, I immediately seized it.
Between Argentina and Italy, you have always lived in a very Latin atmosphere...
I come from Argentina, so for me, passion is crucial. And I know that here in Toulon, there is a lot of it. Not just within the club, but among the people outside. They give a lot of love. That's what I like.
What are your first impressions of the region?
It looks amazing. Obviously, living near the sea with my two children is both different and great for them. I can't wait to see the atmosphere when the championship starts.
Having already faced Toulon several times, what do you expect from Mayol?
I came with Benetton and the fans were crazy! They were very loud, they were shouting all the time. When it's in your favor, these kinds of things give you extra energy. At Mayol, I expect to discover a lot of people, passion, and energy. I've always fought in the best competitions in Europe, and sometimes even in France. So being here means a lot. I'm here to try to win, to achieve something.
How do you feel about training so close to your idols, Ma'a Nonu and Sergio Parisse?
It's incredible! I try to improve by watching or listening to them. They practiced this sport before me. And so, it's a safe bet that they know more things (laughs) . It's time for me to listen and improve even more.
Toulon has more and more Italians in its squad. Does your closeness to Gianmarco Lucchesi, Paolo Garbisi, and Andrea Masi make your integration easier?
Absolutely. I'm like the new kid who arrives at school (laughs) . And, with them, I can learn French faster, because I ask them things all the time! And, they know the team, so I can also get closer to the others more easily, more quickly.
You already have a real connection in the game with Garbisi, your fly-half in the national team and former partner at Treviso...
It's definitely even better, even though we still have to line up together. But Paolo knows me and I know Paolo. He's very passionate, and we have a great connection on the pitch. We always communicate a lot with each other. Well, now I'm going to have to speak to him in French, but it'll do!
The possible arrival of your partner in the middle, the phenomenon Tommaso Menoncello, in the national team is much discussed in Toulon. You, who consider him a little brother, have you discussed it with him?
Yes, we talked about it. I told him I wanted him to come and play with me. For me, it's probably another dream to be on the same team as Tommy... Again! After that, he has to do what he wants and be happy, because it's his career. So we'll see. But I hope he comes because it could be incredible to have Tommy here.
At the foot of the Faron, "Nacho" Brex reunited with the man who was one of his mentors in Treviso. Now the RCT backs coach, Andrea Masi worked alongside the Argentinian during his two seasons with the Leoni staff. "He knows me very well. We worked together for a long time and, of course, I wanted to play with him again," assures the 33-year-old center three-quarter.
On the other side of the Alps, Andrea Masi is said to have contributed to the evolution of Brex's attacking game. Previously very focused on one-on-one play, the latter now takes on more of a second "facilitator" role. And is delighted at the idea of seeing the technician again in the Var: "Obviously, we had talked about this possibility together. I called him, he called me..." And jokes: "I hope he pushed [the management] for me to come. I don't know, but it's likely!"
The Var supporters present at the first two public training sessions of the summer looked hard enough to spot the 1.89m, 98kg Italian international on the pitch alongside the other recruits. The Buenos Aires native explained: "I had a tiny problem with my quadriceps. It wasn't even really an injury, but I was out for ten days. I'll probably be back with the team on Thursday [tomorrow]." While he may not be able to train "at 100%" right away, he should nevertheless be "full out" starting next week.
"I know I'm different to Leicester [Fainga'anuku] . He had a really good season, but I don't compare myself to him or put pressure on myself. I think the staff know what I can bring to the team, and that's why I was asked to come. I'm going to try to bring my experience, my defensive skills, and help the team play really good rugby."
Var-Matin
