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 cant 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:
Youre one of the worlds most feared players in world rugby. Is there a player or team that you consider quite terrifying, and who is the best player youve 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 youve scored over the years?
No, to be honest I dont 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:
Whats 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:
Youre 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. Its stayed like this until now.
RD:
Do you have any regrets about not going to play for Toulon?
No, I dont 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 dont watch or read much about rugby on the internet or in the papers, though its 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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