Three matches, around 240 minutes spent on the pitch at the Stade de France, and every week, the same scene during this autumn tour. Thomas Ramos puts the ball on his tea. It falls. Type. And he sends him into the goalposts, forcing the speaker to shout his name and update the speaker’s electronic card. Each time on Friday night against Argentina, with six attempts passing for 15 points. Almost always in these three November outings, with 90% successes against Japan, the All Blacks, and finally against the Pumas (18 successes out of 20 attempts).
the Toulouse player played an important role in this trio of successes. Individually, he used the end of 2024 to climb the rankings as the best playmaker in Blues history, moving from sixth to third on Friday night with 379 points. “Personal statistics reward the team”, the international modestly remarked on TF1’s microphone. Tonight, if I managed to score points, it’s because we managed to score some good tries or fight hard to push Argentina into mistakes. »
It gives the impression of playing in slippers
He is now only ahead of Christophe Lamaison, by one point, and above all Frédéric Michalak, at the top of the standings with 436 points. But for how long, when will we see the pace of the newcomer on the podium, who became his club’s best director in the last Top 14 final, top scorer of the last two editions of the Six Nations Tournament.
If Thomas Ramos, 29, waited for this autumn tour, two years after the one in which he established himself as a starter with the Blues, to enter the top three of the best French scorers, we didn’t need this sequence of matches to get to know the player exceptional that is. The one that gives the impression of playing in slippers, with the toothpick stuck in the corner of the mouth, entertaining friends without forcing too much. Rugby seems easy when you watch it. And it’s hard to blame Fabien Galthié for placing it at the November inauguration.
Convenient both outdoors and in the back
To replace Romain Ntamack, injured at Toulouse, the French coach called the very man who left his number 15 and his role as full-back for the first ten when the former is absent from the French and European champions. Isn’t he a pure specialist? “What matters first and foremost is talent,” replied the Blues coach, when asked before the match against Japan what made him prefer Ramos to Matthieu Jalibert. The latter had a bad experience, but the controversy over his marginalization against the All Blacks weighs almost nothing compared to what his temporary competitor demonstrated.
Against New Zealand, it was his near-blind pass to Louis Bielle-Biarrey that launched the supersonic winger on trial and allowed the French XV to take control of the match. Against Argentina, another stinking talented shot towards the Bordeaux player ended in a penalty try and a yellow card for the Pumas (36th). And in these two matches an impeccable scorer.
If we add to this the gift of re-motivating his partners with his voice and tickling his opponent, Thomas Ramos has certainly entered the category of players whose name we immediately write down when we prepare a composition. Opening, like in November. Or behind, the position where he finished the game on Friday, where Romain Ntamack’s expected return in the next Six Nations Tournament should send him back after a transition period that began after Jalibert’s injury against Italy in late February.
“I play as a full-back 85 or 90% of the time,” the Toulouse native stressed. The choice on this tour was to put me in this fly-half position because Romain was injured. From the moment I am assigned responsibilities, I must assume them. These are the coach’s choices, we are there to listen to them, respect them and give everything for the team. » To be sure, whatever the position, Ramos gets the job done. And much more.
What are Thomas Ramos’ key strengths as a player in French rugby?
Time.news Interview: Thomas Ramos – The Rising Star of French Rugby
Interviewer (Time.news Editor): Welcome, and thank you for joining us today, Thomas. It’s been quite the autumn tour for you and the French team, hasn’t it?
Thomas Ramos: Absolutely! It’s been an exhilarating experience on the pitch, and I feel fortunate to contribute to the team’s success.
Editor: You’ve had a remarkable track record this fall, scoring 18 out of 20 attempts with a staggering 90% success rate. What do you think has contributed to your consistency?
Ramos: Well, scoring takes teamwork. We’ve been working hard to create opportunities and capitalize on the opposing team’s mistakes. It’s about maintaining focus during high-pressure moments, which is crucial.
Editor: You mentioned teamwork. How did the collaboration with your teammates evolve during this tour, especially after Romain Ntamack’s injury?
Ramos: Losing Romain was tough, but it gave me a chance to step up. I’ve played alongside many of these guys for years, so the chemistry is there. It was about stepping into that leadership role when the team needed it most.
Editor: You’ve recently climbed to third place in the list of all-time top scorers for France, just behind Christophe Lamaison and Frédéric Michalak. How does that feel personally?
Ramos: It’s surreal! I don’t focus too much on individual stats; it’s really about contributing to the team’s goals. But I suppose personal accolades are nice reminders of hard work paying off.
Editor: You’ve been described as a player that gives the impression of playing in slippers—effortless and relaxed on the field. How do you manage to maintain that composure in such intense situations?
Ramos: That’s quite flattering! I think it comes from my love for the game. When you’re enjoying what you do, it tends to feel more natural. Plus, I try to visualize plays in advance, which helps me stay calm under pressure.
Editor: Looking ahead, do you feel pressure knowing that you might be overtaking those top spots in the scoring rankings soon?
Ramos: There’s always a bit of pressure, living up to expectations. But I try to channel that into motivation. If I can help the team win, that’s what truly matters to me.
Editor: Your role as both a full-back and a playmaker has been pivotal. Fabien Galthié has recognized your versatility. How do you adapt to switching between those roles?
Ramos: It’s about understanding the game situation. Each position has its own demands, but with experience, I’ve learned to anticipate plays and make quicker decisions. Flexibility can be a real asset for a team.
Editor: And with the Six Nations and upcoming World Cup on the horizon, how do you feel about France’s potential?
Ramos: I have high hopes! We’ve shown that we can compete with the best, and if we stay focused, work on our weaknesses, and build on our strengths, we can go far.
Editor: Thank you, Thomas, for sharing your insights with us today. We wish you and the French team the best in your upcoming matches!
Ramos: Thank you! It’s been a pleasure. I appreciate the support!
