The center of Racing 92 and the XV of France Virimi Vakatawa had to put an end to his career “for cardiological reasons” at 30 and after thirty-two selections with the Blues. “He must stop his career in France for cardiological reasons. (…) A heart abnormality was detected before the 2019 World Cup in Japan. This anomaly, which is not linked to rugby, has been monitored, but it is an evolving pathology.explained Racing 92 doctor Sylvain Blanchard at a press conference.
The announcement on Monday of this premature and unexpected end to his career surprised everyone. “It’s hard for me to speak. This morning I woke up at 8 a.m. and I knew I wouldn’t be on the pitch with the others.”said Virimi Vakatawa, surrounded by the president of his club, Jacky Lorenzetti, his coach, Laurent Travers, and the coach of the XV of France, Fabien Galthié.
“But the hardest part was yesterday: when I had to announce to my teammates that I had to stop. I spent a lot of time with them on the pitch, off… It’s not easy”, he added, visibly moved. At his side, the boss of the Blues also recalled with emotion that Virimi Vakatawa had played his last three games under his orders, “in the France team in Japan and against England with the Baabaas”.
“Virimi has made many children dream. He was a key player in our adventure, in our history and a great man. What he is currently experiencing, he can share, he can continue to be an example and tell the children: “Enjoy.” He still has a lot to share. »
“We will make sure to accompany him”
Virimi Vakatawa should also stay near the rugby pitches. It is in any case his wish and that of Racing. “He is a child of the club, he has been with us for eleven years. The club won’t let him down.”assured Jacky Lorenzetti, who explained that he had “almost lost a son”. “He is still there, he will be present on the edges of the pitch: instead of being an actor, he will do something else, but he will remain on the edge of the pitch. (…) We will make sure to accompany him, that he always has his colors for which he has given so much »abounded Laurent Travers.
The last match of Virimi Vakatawa, three-quarters center at fire support, will therefore remain a victory in Japan (20-15) with the XV of France on July 9 at the Olympic stadium in Tokyo. Brilliant player, shy man, Virimi Vakatawa had arrived in France at 17, after a Fijian winger from Racing 92, Sireli Bobo, had spotted him.
In total, he will have played 145 matches with Racing 92, including 38 in the European Cup, scoring 49 tries. This remarkable player, a time considered the best center in the world, also participated in the Rio Olympics with the VII of France. His career therefore officially ended on September 5.
