Bastareaud looking forward, not back
February 04 2010
French centre Mathieu Bastareaud insists that his moment of madness in New Zealand, when a drunken fall prompted a diplomatic incident, is history, even if his critics think otherwise.
Bastareaud, who will line up against Scotland in the Six Nations this weekend, thought his international career was over last year when the legacy from the infamous late-night incident in New Zealand spiralled out of control.
For Bastareaud, who was hospitalised after attempting suicide on his return to France, the matter is closed.
"For me, it has been over for quite a while," said Bastareaud after coach Marc Lièvremont confirmed his rehabilitation was complete when he announced the team for the Six Nations opener.
"It has been seven months after all since the incident, if people want to keep on referring back to it, then they can do as they wish," added a visibly agitated Bastareaud, who was ordered to perform community service by the French Rugby Federation (FFR).
However, Bastareaud clearly hasn't forgotten about the incident as he showed a few seconds later.
"What happened will never be erased. And I will never personally forget it," said Bastareaud.
International team-mates have rallied behind the Stade Français player.
"He (Bastareaud) is emerging from a rather delicate episode in his life," said Stade lock Pascal Papé, who will win his 24th cap on Sunday.
"It has to be said that the media exaggerated parts of it. Have we spoken about the matter amongst ourselves this week? That remains behind closed doors," added the 29-year-old, who made the starting line-up alongside former captain Lionel Nallet because Sebastian Chabal is injured.
Lièvremont said he hoped Bastareaud had learnt from his uncomfortable days in the media spotlight.
"He knew he had to wait," said Lièvremont, who like many has been impressed by the manner in which Bastareaud has been the standout player in what has proved to be a topsy-turvy season for his club.
"On Sunday he has to play to his strengths and not ask himself too many questions. He has already shown that his game has evolved, which is extremely interesting.
"We just hope that what happened several months ago has made him grow up and mature." Bastareaud was pleased that Lièvremont had shown so much faith in him.
"It is already a mark of confidence in me that I was recalled," said Bastareaud.
"Now I have to repay that by producing my game on the pitch. I have a real hunger to play and to win titles."
Papé believes that he will not let the country down.
"We will see a really great player develop in the years to come," was his brave prediction.