IA year ago, watchmaker Breitling succeeded Tissot as official timekeeper of the most famous rugby tournament: the Six Nations, the 2023 edition of which begins this Saturday at 3:15 p.m. with the Wales-Ireland clash. A logical three-year partnership for the brand, very present in the world of sport, particularly in the world of the oval ball with the welcome within its stable of partners such as the Scots Stuart Hogg and Hamish Watson, the Welshman George North, the Irishman Conor Murray, the Englishman Kyle Sinckler or even Paolo Garbisi, the opener of the Squadra Azzurra. This year, Breitling has also and above all unveiled an exclusive and very limited collection of watches putting rugby in the spotlight with the presentation of the Chronomat Six Nations. A variation of the famous chronograph launched in the 1980s by the house to commemorate its 100th anniversary. A total of six timepieces – each limited to 150 pieces – make up this new watch range. The latter are distinguished by their dial bearing the colors of the six nations involved in the competition and displaying the coat of arms of each team in a sub-dial located at nine o’clock as well as on the caseback.
A watch that will now adorn the wrists of Gaël Fickou, the new ambassador of the “Squad Breitling”. The center three-quarters of Racing 92 and the XV of France, who at 28, has 74 selections for the national team, will for his part enter the tournament on Sunday February 5 in Rome. The ultimate big meeting for the Blues and for the tricolor center – the title holders – a few months before the World Cup which will be held in France from September 8 to October 28, 2023. For PointGaël Fickou, one of the most capped strikers in French rugby, discusses this collaboration with Breitling as well as his vision and time management on the pitch.
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Le Point: As a professional rugby player, what does time mean to you?
Gaël Fickou: It is a luxury because very rare in our daily lives. We are 200% devoted to rugby, which leaves very little room for other activities between training and matches, especially when we return to our clubs, which is to say most of the year. And even off the field, rugby remains in our minds. Time is precious and therefore fully appreciated.
If you weren’t a top athlete, how would you spend your time?
Hard to say. Rugby is my passion and drives me. I would give more opportunities to certain hobbies such as music or the cinema, but above all, I would spend more time with my family, my friends and all the people around me.
Did you know the watches of the Breitling house before becoming an ambassador?
I obviously knew Breitling as a high-end brand in the world of fine watchmaking. I used to work with many partners in various fields. I am honored to begin a new prestigious watchmaking collaboration with Breitling, which gives me the opportunity to represent it by wearing their watch on a daily basis and whose brand image corresponds to me through their sports policy.
How do you see the arrival of Breitling in the rugby world?
We are not used to associating this universe with collaborations, but sponsorship is very positive and measured in rugby. The projects are coherent, like Breitling, which is now the official timekeeper of the Six Nations Tournament. For my part, this partnership sticks with the image that I want to convey, which is very important.
How do you manage time once in the field?
Mastering the 80 minutes, which pass very quickly once on the pitch, is very important. Managing time means knowing how to deal with the high points but also and above all the low points, when the team is under pressure. We also work a lot on this tempo management during training in order to be able to adapt to the stopwatch according to the physiognomy of the match. Indeed, depending on the score, the clock gives us indications on the attitude to adopt such as saving time or giving everything to score the winning try two minutes from the end.
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Halftime is always a special moment in a match?
Indeed, it is often a complex and difficult moment for players to negotiate. A period of return to calm after 40 intense minutes. We have our rites for releasing the pressure, resting, listening to the instructions of the coaches and getting back into the game moving forward.
Your fondest memory as a player?
Fortunately, there are many, but winning the Tournament last year and the Grand Slam remains one of the best moments of my career.
Do you have a star rugby player who inspires you?
Again, I admire many players. If I had to name just three, I am thinking in particular of Rose XV striker Jason Robinson as well as my former friends from the France team, Yannick Jauzion and Florian Fritz who played like me, at the center post.
How does this 2023 edition of the Six Nations look for the XV of France, which could field two consecutive Grand Slams?
I’m not there yet but we are keen to have a big competition and win it for the second year in a row. We are going to face some very good teams. It will be difficult because you always have to expect the unexpected and the thrill in this tournament. That’s what makes it so special.
Finally, you are one of the pivots of this young French team. A band that makes you proud?
I am very proud of this team. We are an extremely tight-knit group with a lot of fraternity. The results are there and we must continue to work with humility and simplicity. Qualities that have so far been very beneficial to us.