Gaëtan Barlot is set to leave Castres for Union Bordeaux-Bègles, showcasing his commitment with 12 appearances this season. Mathieu Babillot, a leader and tireless flanker, has played a crucial role, participating in 14 matches. Abraham Papali’i, a robust flanker, has become a key player, while Santiago Arata, a dynamic scrum-half, will stay until 2029. Veteran fullback Julien Dumora remains a vital team member, eyeing a future coaching role after overcoming injury.
Gaëtan Barlot (Hooker): A Final Season to Remember
This season marks the end of an era for Gaëtan Barlot as he prepares to transition to Union Bordeaux-Bègles next year. The French international hooker, boasting 9 caps, is fully committed to the Castres squad, showcasing his dedication through his 12 appearances across all competitions this season. Barlot is not just a solid defender with an impressive tally of 100 successful tackles in the Top 14; he’s also an adept thrower and an active presence on the field, maintaining his status as a valuable asset to the French national team amid tough competition.
Mathieu Babillot (Flanker): The Iron Man of Castres
Mathieu Babillot has defied the passage of time, continuing to be a relentless force on the pitch. Known for his tireless work ethic, poaching skills, and vocal presence (the referees can attest to this), Babillot is a natural leader and captain. Following a disappointing defeat against Vannes last October, he rallied his teammates with a passionate address. So far this season, he has participated in 14 matches (with 13 starts) and has crossed the try line twice. With 787 minutes played, he ranks 10th in the Top 14 for playing time, solidifying his indispensable role in the team.
Top 14: Xavier Sadourny will take over as coach of Castres next season.
Abraham Papali’i (Flanker): The Powerhouse
This season, Abraham Papali’i has truly come into his own. Standing at 1.94m and weighing 126 kg, this formidable flanker has injected fresh energy and dynamism into the squad. After a period of exploration between rugby league and rugby union with clubs like Connacht and Brive, the New Zealander has firmly established himself within Castres. Papali’i excels in ruck situations, proving to be a significant challenge for opponents to move off the ball.
Santiago Arata (Scrum-half): The Dynamic Playmaker
With interest from various Top 14 clubs, Uruguayan international Santiago Arata has opted to remain with Castres until 2029. He shares the scrum-half position with Jérémy Fernandez, making 14 appearances this season and starting in seven of those matches. Arata’s quick reflexes behind the rucks, combined with his speed and effective tackling technique, make him an invaluable asset for Castres. Nevertheless, it’s a pity that establishing a consistent fly-half partner alongside him has been a bit of a challenge.
Julien Dumora (Fullback): The Reliable Veteran
Julien Dumora has been a cornerstone of Castres since 2014, bringing vitality and experience to the team, including a French championship title win in 2018. As a dependable fullback and occasional fly-half, Dumora has made a triumphant return this season following a significant injury that sidelined him for six weeks after the opening match. At 36 years old, he continues to showcase his prowess as a kicker and remains a crucial player as he eyes a potential transition into a coaching role with the club after this season.