'They told us to act like it was a war, to show them that we were ready for a good fight'
There’s always a buzz around the Hong Kong Sevens, the world’s premier tournament for the short version of the game. The stands are packed with boisterous fans, often in fancy dress, and the beer flows as easily as the tries. It’s not quite anything goes, but certainly there are few sights across the three days of action that would raise too many eyebrows.
That was, perhaps, until the 2019 edition, when to the delight and slight puzzlement of the raucous South Stand at the Hong Kong Stadium, the subject of this chapter – dressed as a caveman, complete with animal pelts across his chest – belted out a version of ‘I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)’ by The Proclaimers.
Flanked by three men wearing leopard skins, fake moustaches and pretending to play musical instruments, the performance wouldn’t get too many marks for his singing but would receive extra credit for his enthusiasm.
The commentators, before dissolving into fits of laughter, expressed their delight: “Things I never thought I’d see on a Friday afternoon in Hong Kong… Sébastien Chabal singing [laughter]. I think I’m done. I’m dead. French hard man! [more laughter] He’s still a hard man, the former French star, but when the men in the leopard-print jumpsuits aren’t the story. Only in Hong Kong! Crank it up. That’s just the best… [dissolves into laughter].”
This performance was part of his work for Marriott Hotels, promoting their new loyalty points scheme. Other videos in this partnership see the 6ft 3in, 18-stone Frenchman dressed as a maid, a chef and in full drag, complete with wig and heels.
The true stories behind 20 of the toughest players to ever play the game, from pre-WW1 firebrands to modern-day YouTube sensations. They are shocking, gruesome, funny and sometimes tragic, but what unites these men is their total commitment to the sport.@Books_Wales #loverugby pic.twitter.com/lYjqCeFUrs
— Y Lolfa (@YLolfa) October 23, 2020
The chief creative officers of Ogilvy, the advertising agency that created the campaign, said: “We chose Sébastien because of his continued passion for the game of rugby, even after his retirement. During his playing years, his ability to manoeuvre creatively around the pitch and inspire fans is perfectly aligned with the Marriott Hotels ethos of innovation, creativity, dynamism, and inventiveness.”
Of course it is.
Helping sell hotel stays to business travellers is a long way from the 2007 World Cup, when Chabal glared and snarled his way through a rare challenge to the haka that preceded a famous French victory over the All Blacks. But then the Chabal story has always been a complex one.
Born in Valence, south-east France, to a working-class family with no interest in rugby, he didn’t play the game until he was 16 so there was no fast-track through an academy or age-grade representative games for him, unlike most who reach the top level of the sport.
After leaving school he played rugby only at weekends, spending his week as a milling machine operator for an engineering firm. It was only in 1998, aged 21, that he joined Valence Sportif in the lower reaches of the French rugby pyramid and not until two years later, when he joined Bourgoin in the top flight, that he became a fully-fledged professional. His uncompromising tackling quickly helped mark him out as a ferocious player and he picked up the nickname ‘the Anaesthetist’ on account of its effects on opponents.
Chabal’s international debut was aged 23 in France’s 2000 Six Nations win over Scotland and he established himself in that tournament as a solid, though not spectacular, cog across the back five of the pack in an inconsistent French team. He went to the 2003 World Cup, where Les Bleus came fourth, but was not a regular starter in the big games, being relied upon more as an impact player off the bench.
In 2004, he moved across the Channel and joined Sale Sharks. He proved popular at the Manchester outfit and spent five seasons in England, winning the Premiership in 2006 and enjoying some memorable performances in European competition, including a Challenge Cup triumph in 2005.
Coached by fellow Frenchman Philippe Saint-André, who he had worked with at Bourgoin, he played the best rugby of his career in England. Lining up alongside the likes of razor-sharp backs Jason Robinson, Charlie Hodgson, Mark Cueto and Mark Taylor, he was the lynchpin of the forward pack.
Nigel's No1?? tough guy ?https://t.co/E9OOHaHvEr
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) October 27, 2020
Fans loved his strong running and fearsome tackling and were known to wear t-shirts showing Chabal’s face over a skull and crossbones, with the slogan ‘Cha-bad to the bone’ written underneath. Whilst in England, he was only shown a modest three yellow cards, although in 2006 he received a red card and a five-week ban for stamping on Lawrence Dallaglio whilst playing for Sale versus Wasps.
But while settled and happy in England, there were aspects of the local culture he was less keen on. Predictably, as a proud Frenchman, this centred on the food. “It’s a very different way of life. There’s no getting away from that. The weather’s bad. It rains a lot. Above all, I find the food bizarre.
“I hardly ever eat English food. My wife and I share the cooking at home. I cook lasagne, boeuf bourguignon, anything really. And when we go out, we look for French restaurants. I don’t think much of the English food I have tried. I certainly don’t like fish and chips! It’s all a question of taste, I suppose. I know the English think it’s bizarre we eat snails and frogs’ legs and steak tartare.”
The big change in his life came in 2005 with the birth of his daughter. It’s not unusual for someone to gain a different perspective on life when they become a parent. And yes, I have no doubt that welcoming little Lily Rose into the family made a huge impact on Chabal. But it wasn’t the baby that altered the course of his career.
It was the growth of his hair and beard.
A pre-fatherhood Chabal had sported a fairly nondescript short back and sides (Google the photos – you’ll barely recognise him!) but when his wife got pregnant, he resolved to let his hair and beard grow until the baby arrived. Once the nappy changes and night feeds were well underway, as his wife liked it, the hirsute look remained.
Already an imposing physical specimen, the combination of the flowing black hair, the long beard and the dark piercing eyes made him one of the most instantly recognisable and popular rugby players in the world.
With the image change came the attention – Chabalmania – and with that, the money. By the end of the 2007 World Cup, he was the world’s highest-earning rugby player, bringing home more than Dan Carter, Brian O’Driscoll, Jonny Wilkinson or any other player you wish to name from this time.
But before we get into that World Cup and the crazy world that Chabal began to inhabit, let’s rewind to the summer before the tournament when, in just a few games, he jumped from someone a series of French coaches had never fully trusted to being a talisman for not just the team, but the whole country.
The marker was put down just 30 seconds into the first of two Tests away in New Zealand, when a high, looping pass came into midfield, giving Chabal the chance to select his target.
A split second after All Black flanker Chris Masoe caught the ball, he was smashed into by ‘the Caveman’ and unceremoniously dumped onto the floor, where he spilled the ball. The Kiwi, himself a tough character, staggered a little when he eventually got to his feet and gave a little rueful smile as his teammates checked on him.
The video of this big hit and Chabal triumphantly flicking back his hair afterwards, looking like the toughest pony you’ll ever see, was shown on repeat that week in France and New Zealand, becoming an early YouTube sensation, and to this day it remains a textbook example of how to line up and execute a very hard but legal tackle.
Seven days later in the second Test, ball in hand and short of options on either side of him, Chabal decided to take the direct route through All Black Ali Williams, whose jaw was broken in several places while trying to impede Chabal’s progress. A big hit on Williams and another big hit on YouTube.
'He had the biggest biceps in the All Blacks squad, with a 52cm circumference – the same size as Arnold Schwarzenegger at his peak'
In an extract from his new book, Hard Men of Rugby, @MrLukeUpton ??? looks back on the remarkable career of Jerry Collins https://t.co/Sk6922BUnz
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) November 15, 2020
This further enhanced Chabal’s hard-man reputation, but also had a more unexpected impact: it led to Williams publishing a cookbook. The Kiwi flanker had his jaw wired and missed six weeks of action, and he put out a video plea for soup recipes, complete with a special email address: soupforali@allblacks.com. He received over 1,000 and ended up releasing a book with 140 of the best, Soup for Ali: Recipes that rescued Ali Williams. Still available in all good New Zealand bookshops, I’m sure. And yes, he did send a signed copy to the man who caused it all.
The final act in Chabal’s big summer in 2007 was a superb, decisive try in a win over England at Twickenham. Not long off the bench, and with ten minutes left to go, his pace found him some space in the England half. He brushed off two would-be tacklers before Josh Lewsey tried to stop him near the line, but Lewsey went too high and couldn’t stop Chabal crashing over the try line.
This trilogy of performances saw Chabal arrive at the World Cup as a big star. Whilst still operating mainly as a substitute, his face and Neanderthal image was across billboards, adverts, magazine covers and newspaper front pages.
A puppet was made of him for France’s version of Spitting Image, Les Guignols de l’Info and he was voted not just the sexiest man at the World Cup but the sexiest man in France. When he appeared on the pitch, French fans shouted, “Mmmm… Chabal!” in reference to an advertisement for ‘100 per cent French beef’, which carries the tag line “Mmmm… Charal!”
- This is an extract of the chapter on France forward Sébastien Chabal in Hard Men of Rugby, the newly published Y Lolfa book written by Luke Upton (click here).
- Twenty hard as nails icons of rugby such as Wayne Shelford, Jerry Collins, Bakkies Botha, Jacques Burger, Martin Johnson and Chabal feature in the book along with other former players like Martin Johnson, Trevor Brennan, Weary Dunlop, Bobby Windsor, Tomas Lavanini, Brian Lima and Norm Hadley.
Comments on RugbyPass
Article intéressant ! La question devrait régulièrement se poser pour les jeunes français originaires de Nouvelle-Calédonie, Wallis-et-Futuna et de Polynésie entre la Nouvelle-Zélande et la Métropole… Difficile pour la fédération française de rugby de se positionner : soit le choix est fait de dénicher les jeunes talents et de les faire venir très tôt en Métropole, au risque de les déraciner, soit on prend le risque de se les faire “piller” par les All Blacks qui, telle une araignée, essaye de récupérer tous les talents des îles du Pacifique… À la France de se défendre en développant l’aura du XV de France et des clubs français dans ses collectivités d’Outre-mer !
2 Go to commentsWrong bay. He needs to come to the REAL BAY which is Bay Of Plenty and have a crack at making the Chiefs.
2 Go to commentsIs Barrett going play full back??? They already have all the centers…
15 Go to commentsForgive my ignorance, I might not fully understand so would appreciate clarification: Didn’t the Bulls have to fly with three different carriers, paid for by the South African Rugby Union, whilst Edinburgh got a chartered flight sponsored by EPCR? Also, as far as I understand it South African teams don’t yet share in the revenue from the competition and are not allowed to host Semi-finals or Finals at home. Surely if everyone wants South Africans to “take the competition seriously” then they must make South Africans feel welcome, allow them to share in the revenue, and give them the same levels of access as the teams from the other countries. Just a reminder that South Africa has a large and passionate Rugby audience. Just by virtue of our teams being a part of these competitions means that more of us are likely to watch the knockout games, even if our teams haven’t qualified. It would be silly to alienate such a large audience by making them feel unwelcome.
18 Go to commentsFirst of all. This guy is very much behind the curve. All the bleating, whingeing, whining and moaning took place days ago already. Not adding anything to the topic other than more bleating, whingeing, whining and moaning. 🍼 Second of all, not one mention of the fact that South African teams can’t get home semi finals or finals. The tournament was undermined and devalued by the administrators. 🤡 Thirdly, football teams often have to juggle selections in mid week games, premier games, champions league games etc. and will from time to time prioritize certain titles over others. 🐒 And lastly FEK Neil, and anyone else for that matter, for insisting on telling teams how to manage themselves. If they make what is largely a business decision that suits them and doesn’t suit you - tough shite. 💩 It’s not rocket science as to why the Bulls did what they did. If this guy is too slow to figure it out (and is deliberately not mentioning one of the key reasons why) then he isn’t a journalist. He should join the rest of us pundit plebs in comments section. 🥴
18 Go to commentsSo the first door to knock on Rob is Parliament followed by HMRC. The Irish Revenue deliver a 40% tax relief rebate on the HIGHEST EARNING TEN YEARS of every pro Irish rugby players contract earnings at retirement. That goes a long way to both retaining their best talent and freeing up wages for marquee players. Who knows, if that had been in place in the UK, you might not have been able to poach Hoggy and Jonny Gray from Glasgow…!!!
2 Go to comments1. True, if that “free” ticket means access to all but the prized exhibit - EVIP only. SA cannot host semis, even if they’ve earned it (see Sharks vs ASM Clermont Auvergne at… Twickenham Stoop). 2. Why no selective outrage over Lyon doing the exact same thing a week earlier? Out of all the countries France send the most “B teams”, why nobody talking about “disrespect” and “prioritising domestic leagues” and “kicking them out”? 3. Why no mention of the Sharks fielding all of their Springboks for the second rate Challenge cup QF? No commitment? 4. Why no mention of all the SA teams qualifying for respective euro knock out comps in the two seasons they’ve been in it? How many euro teams have qualified for KO’s in their history? Can’t compete? 5. Why no mention of SA teams beating French and English giants La Rochelle and Saracens? How many euro teams have done that in their history? Add no quality? The fact is that SA teams are only in their second season in europe, with no status and a fraction of the resources. Since joining the URC, SA has seen a repatriation of a number of players, and this will only grow once SA start sharing in the profits of competing in these comps, meaning bigger squads with greater depth and quality, meaning they don’t have to prioritise comps as they have to now - they don’t have imports from Pacifica and South America and everywhere else in between like “European” teams have - also less “Saffas” in Prem and T14, that’s what we want right? 'If the South Africans are in, they need to be all in' True, and we have to ensure we give them the same status and resources as we give everyone else to do just that. A small compromise on scheduling will go a long way in avoiding these situations, but guess what, France and England wont compromise on scheduling because they ironically… prioritise their domestic comps, go figure!
18 Go to commentsthe success of the premiership can be summarized by : only 10 teams. It makes a huge difference with the overcrowded top 14 (let us not talk about Leinster and URC…)
1 Go to commentsGood for him. The ABs were fooling around again with converted fullbacks that had a penetration of a marshmallow. Laumape or as Aki has shown for Ireland, go forward is important in the centres. If it had been DMac - Aki- Aumua - Ioane- Telea- Jordan in France the final result would have been different.
4 Go to commentsDan Carter a apporté son professionnalisme, des méthodes de travail, un esprit qui manquaient à l’USAP. Son influence, même une fois blessé a été énorme. Et pour citer une anecdote, certains soirs il venait de lui-même à l’entraînement des jeunes pour dispenser ses conseils. On ne peut pas compter ce qu’il a apporté au club en heures de jeu sur le terrain. Est-ce que le club en a eu pour son argent ? Avec la publicité sur son nom et le titre, je suppose que oui.
1 Go to commentsThe SA sides are suffering from a bum rap here. There isn’t a side anywhere in the world that would do things differently in their shoes. They’ve been set up to fail in the EPCR comps by vested interests, with last minute intercontinental travel requirements that costs an arm and a leg to book in advance just on the possibility they might be required. And the total nonsense that denies any chance of home venues is entirely biased and absolutely unsporting. Either EPCR, the Top14 & the Gallagher Premiership get it sorted on a fair and equitable sporting basis for ALL participants or expect the ridicule to continue. Right now, these comps are a joke!
18 Go to commentsSA sides should do the right thing and leave the champions cup, they are lowering the standard with completely one sided games, not up to the right level. The greatest club tournament in the world is being banjaxed by the weak SA sides.
18 Go to commentsCouldnt agree more. SA sides need to show more committment and really have a go at the Champions Cup. Its quite possibly the most prestigious title in Europe and SA sides need to respect that prestige and serve up their best. EPCR needs to do more to ensure that sides from South Africa and sides travelling to and from SA have a better chance in this competition. The Bulls were put in a really difficult position of having to travel there and back in one week. One could argue that this is what the SA sides signed up for and that La Rochelle didnt complain or send out weakened sides despite having to travel to SA and back and play on successive weekends but surely the situation is also unfair on La Rochelle as well and so EPCR needs to think about successive gameweeks and the travel effect of the competition
18 Go to commentsI hadn’t watched much Canes this season but sat through a replay of that Chiefs game with no distractions. That pack is beastly. I really like the look of Iose. He loves the tough stuff. The first Quins clip may be the best I have even seen for a TH driving his opposite into oblivion. i need to take your word for the contribution of Walker, but Collier there with a straight back pushing up from under was a lovely thing to see. Have you fallen in love with Baxter also, Nick? I think Stuart Barnes may have written his column about him recently, naked. He positively frothed.
14 Go to commentsSmart guy. I wish he was running the RFU or something!
2 Go to commentsWhy Barrett, when Leinster already have at least 4 top centres.?
15 Go to commentsGood write up, Brett. Rebels are an interesting one for sure. 88 points scored in the last two games, but against two teams that are unlikely to be in the top 4 at seasons end. However the other side of the coin, against the Hurricanes, the team to beat atm, they conceded 54 points, and add in another 53 points to the then high flying Reds, and things don’t look so good. The acid tests will be against the Blues and the Chiefs. I do hope they do contest the finals this year, if only to confound those working on their demise. Les Kiss has made a big difference to the Qld. Reds, and they could so easily have now been sitting unbeaten at the top of the table. But they have now lost some games in a most disappointing fashion, and now step up against the Highlanders this weekend seriously depleted, four absolute key players down, two to suspension, two injured. Of the other Australian sides, the Brumbies look unlikely to fold to anyone any time soon, while the Waratahs and Force both disappoint. But still and all, winning games against the NZ sides is very welcome, and one would hope for more to come. Who will come out on top ? A North Island side for sure should contest the final, but I would hope an Australian side might just get there this year. Brumbies most likely, Qld. Reds could be formidable with a full team back on the field.
12 Go to commentsThe stat that illustrates some progress compared to recent years is that Aussie sides have won 5 of 12 games against Kiwi sides. The Tahs have lost 2 tight games against Kiwi sides, while the Reds and Tahs have contrasting experiences in games against Kiwi sides decided by that farcical thing called golden point.
12 Go to commentsThe Hurricanes pack has stepped up in a huge way this year. Their improvement at scrum time has been a big contributor to their success. Aumua looks like he is playing with a lot of confidence and put in a really good display at both set piece and in general play on Saturday. Him and Numia are putting in a good case for higher honours, A dominate combination with Lomax will help their case. And their loose forward depth is class. Iose has benefited from regular game time and Lakai has shown his versatility and promise. Thanks Nick. Hope all is well.
14 Go to commentsSamoa have enough former internationals who want to flick a switch for a country most have probably hardly set foot in. If you’re that passionate about Samoa, go live and play rugby there to qualify instead of just waltzing into the side and kicking a player actually from Samoa out of the squad. All these ex internationals hasn’t really made them that much more competitive because most look like they're going through the motions.
2 Go to comments