He didn't really have the physique of a third row, he probably wasn't the most flashy of Toulon's galactic recruits, he didn't have the thickest CV in the RCT, nor the biggest list of honours in the Var dressing room. So yes, on paper, Steffon Armitage wasn't the biggest star in the red and black. But in reality ? He was Toulon's best player at the heart of the Var's best era. A Mayol icon who, to mark the release of the "Internationals" collection, agreed to look back on his best memories: from London Irish to Section Paloise, from England to the harbour via Biarritz. An immense career. And marked by the presence of a brother who is still a role model today.
What is your fondest memory of playing on the pitch?
There are so many that it's hard sometimes to put a number up front. There's my first match with the England team, with my brother. It was during the Tournament against Italy. It was something really special. Not just for me, but for my family, my friends, everyone. And of course there's Biarritz, the last kick of the match and the penalty shoot-out. That will stay with me for the rest of my life.
What's the worst moment you've experienced on the pitch?
The worst moment was when Martin Johnson, the England coach, came to see me after the Tournament. He told me "you're not good enough, you need to improve to play for England". I was nominated for best player in the league. I thought that was a bit unfair, because he didn't give me a chance. That was the worst moment, and the moment that actually created me. After that I left England. Because with London Irish, I was starting every game, but I'd given it everything I had. So I decided to leave the club a year before the end of my contract to go to Toulon and get some new competition.
Who's the best player you've ever played with?
I shouldn't really say, because he's already got a big head, but for me it's my brother, Delon. His character on and off the pitch... He was a guy who gave a lot on the pitch. Not everyone liked that, but that was his character. And it's thanks to him that I've always tried to do my best. So as not to disappoint my brother. His qualities? He could change a match. He was very solid in the air, he was quick off the mark and, above all, he had a great kick. He could kick penalties from over fifty metres. He did everything and was never afraid of anyone. Did he see guys twice his size? No problem: he'd put the ball in the back of the net.
Which opponent did you fear the most?
I'd have to say Clermont. We've always had very close matches, very difficult matches. Back then, it was always Clermont-Toulon in the final or semi-final. It was always the match where you thought "now we're going to be sore" (laughs). After that, I wasn't scared of anyone. But when they were all together, from time to time they'd target me. I prepared myself for everyone! Julien Bonnaire, who was an excellent player, Cudmore, Benjamin Kayser, you had all these guys who wanted to rip my head off. And that turned me on. To think that, while you had all the players in our team who had done so much more than me in their careers, they were targeting me... It made me a bit proud (laughs)!
What's the most beautiful stadium you've ever played in? And you're not allowed to answer Mayol?
That's unfair ! So the most beautiful stadium... There again I could say Clermont. Michelin, compared to their supporters, was always full, you could only see yellow. It made you want to go. And then after that Twickenham. The home of rugby.
What makes you most proud?
A lot of people will say that doesn't count, but to have had a 13-year career with my brother. Doing everything with him, from the first championship I won to the last. That's what makes me the proudest. To have had this career with him. At Pau or Biarritz, I missed him. And even if today we live a bit far apart, he's really someone I've appreciated in my career and in my life. Maybe it would have been different in Biarritz with him.
But frankly, listen, I can't complain about my career. There are millions of kids who would love to be in my shoes. So I have to be happy that I've had the chance to play for my country and win titles. I'm proud of my career. I could have done more. But I mustn't complain. I have no regrets.
