The Japan Times - Bordeaux-Begles' Woki says he matured at Racing ahead of return

Woki grew up in the French capital before joining Bordeaux-Begles in 2017 from the famed Massy academy.

He moved to Racing five years later but the six-time French champions struggled in his three seasons at the club, failing to reach a Top 14 final.

They finished outside the play-offs last term for the first time since promotion in 2009, managing just 10th place.

Former England boss Stuart Lancaster left midway through the campaign and was replaced by Patrice Collazo, while Owen Farrell's exit was confirmed in the summer.

South African star Siya Kolisi had rejoined Sharks just one season into a three-year deal with Racing in the summer of 2024.

Now, Woki has also left and is back at Bordeaux-Begles, who won their maiden Champions Cup title last season.

"I experienced a lot of failures (at Racing), they matured me," Woki told AFP.

"I always knew my story with Bordeaux-Begles wasn't finished.

"There I experienced it all, my first minutes as a professional, my first France cap.

"Bordeaux-Begles gave me everything, I have to give them the same thing back."

The mobile back-rower rejoins a team on the up at the Stade Chaban-Delmas, fresh off their continental crown and reaching June's Top 14 final, which they lost to Toulouse.

He will also be able to play alongside close friend and France fly-half Matthieu Jalibert.

"I was really happy about the Champions Cup title," Woki said.

"My heart is for Bordeaux-Begles and my first thought was to call my now team-mates.

"I called Matthieu, all the guys were there in the changing room celebrating."

- 'Boyhood club' -

Woki has been in and out of the France team since making the first of his 31 Test appearances in 2020.

In July, he came off the bench twice in losses to New Zealand for his first minutes with Les Bleus in more than a year, as his departure from Racing was being rumoured in the background.

This weekend, Woki takes Bordeaux-Begles to Racing's La Defense Arena, a week on from beating La Rochelle in their opening game of the campaign.

"I'm happy the game's being played so soon too," Woki said.

"I have to turn the page on Racing. I have great friends there, like family.

"But I want to win a title with my boyhood club."

Elsewhere this weekend, promoted Montauban play their first home game in the Top 14 since 2010 when they host Lyon.

The new boys were humbled 47-24 at Stade Francais last Saturday with their chances of survival set to hinge on their form at their Stade Sapiac ground.

"We got a grilling yesterday, we can't leave in that many points," Montauban back-rower Karl Wilkinson told Le Rosbif Rugby Podcast on Wednesday.

"We need to sort our defence out, as soon as possible.

"Hopefully it's just the one game, adapting to the speed."

Later on Saturday, Australia lock Will Skelton is expected to make his first La Rochelle appearance of the season as they host Clermont.

Fixtures

Saturday

Montauban v Lyon (1230), Bayonne v Montpellier, Pau v Stade Francais, La Rochelle v Clermont, Toulouse v Perpignan (1435), Toulon v Castres (1900)

Sunday

Racing 92 v Bordeaux-Begles (1905)

M.Sugiyama--JT