Millo-Chluski gets a second bite
Nearly three years after earning his first cap for France, Romain Millo-Chluski is back in the French squad and ready for a second bite at the big time.
Nearly three years after earning his first cap for France, Romain Millo-Chluski is back in the French squad and ready for a second bite at the big time.
The Toulouse lock, still only 25, is on the comeback trail and says he is “thirsty to learn”.
Standing 1,95 tall and weighing 113kg, 'Millo' is a sizable unit and could give the French scrum the stability it lacked in the recent wins over Scotland and Ireland.
He got his first taste of international rugby on France's 2005 tour to the place where size does matter, South Africa. Now he is ready for bigger and better things.
“I've already tasted [what it's like to be selected for France],” the Toulousain told Rugbyrama.
“That was in 2005. I played more and more regularly for Toulouse. Then, we became European champions and then I went on tour and was given my first cap by Bernard Laporte
“That was a summer tour. I think that the Six Nations will be something bigger – something new.
“I'm conscious of the task that awaits me. I'll do everything I can to blend into the team. I've got a week to work on it before the 'Le Crunch' against England.
“I feel full of joy – and apprehension, but the harder it is, the better it is, right?”
A product of the Toulouse Academy, Millo-Chluski was informed of his selection on the weekend of his side's home game against Perpignan, which Toulouse won 41-15.
The next day he made his way to Paris Orly airport with the rest of the Toulouse contingent.
“I'm not lost, I'm going with six teammates,” he said.
“I'm happy, I can't wait to be there. The match against Perpignan is over.
“The most important has been done, and with a bonus point. Now it's time to turn my attention to next week, with something, I hope, very beautiful waiting for me.
“I knew that my name was circulating, but I didn't really want to believe it. Now, it's done. I told myself, this is my chance, it's up to me to take it.
“I wanted to take things one at a time. I've received a lot of congratulations from players and staff, it's a real pleasure.”
France assistant Emile Ntamack was in Toulouse to watch the league leaders beat Perpignan.
“He shook my hand and said 'see you soon',” said the lock.
Commenting on the new French set-up, Millo-Chluski believes that he'll be right at home in the open style of play.
“The players have been given a lot of freedom,” he said.
“It's been dynamic, moving the ball around a lot. The players have been given carte blanche, similar to how we play at Toulouse.”