RWC selection no big deal for Vaha

Editor

Sébastien Vahaamahina admits he won't be too disappointed if he misses out on France's World Cup squad.

Philippe Saint-André will cut the squad from 36 to 31 after the two warm-up games against England, with the Clermont lock one player who is under pressure for his place.

Despite an impressive season for Clermont, he was a surprise inclusion in the French squad, with his previous performances for les Bleus counting against him due to a lack of aggression at times.

But while he remains incredibly laid back about making the World Cup squad, Vahaamahina believes he has improved his game.

"I will give everything and we'll see on the 23rd," he told reporters. 

"If I'm not selected, it's no big deal, that's how it is. And if I am selected, well I'll be going to the World Cup.

"I know for some players it's their dream to play at a World Cup. But for me, when I was little, I didn't play rugby, I wasn't born with it. Afterwards, having spent time with players who have already been to a World Cup has helped me understand what a competition like this represents for them. I know that it's a special even for rugby, the biggest tournament in the world.

"If I'm selected, great, if I'm not, never mind. I'll play with my club at Clermont.

"I'm not sure how this will be interpreted but I'm not scared. I don't care. I've told the staff that I'm quite zen. If I'm not selected, life will go on. I'm not going to stop for this. That's why I won't be disappointed. I'm waiting calmly, even if I'm giving it everything in training.

"Since November I've worked with my coaches at my club. I think I've reached a new level. In terms of aggressiveness in particular, even if I don't want to be too aggressive because I might lose it. Really I'm there to enjoy myself on the pitch."