Having arrived in the off-season from Blagnac, Lucas Martins impressed on his first start for Agen last Friday at Mont-de-Marsan.
Decisive in Agen's first attempt scored by Loris Tolot and author of the second goal, the 21-year-old Portugal international couldn't have dreamed of a better start as a professional. Let's go find out.
What is the feeling that refreshes you after this first important success in Mont-de-Marsan (28-23)?
I was really happy, because personally it was my first match as a professional. And then there is a very nice victory at the end. We had a lot of fun on the pitch. Everyone was really happy.
“We will do our best to win on Friday.”
When we analyze these first three days, we say to ourselves that the defeat against Nice is an anomaly.
And we will do everything we can to prove that it was one. And I think that is the case. We simply missed this game. We did not play real rugby and did not show who we really are. We have to make up for that on Friday and put in a much better version.
How do you approach this match against Nevers?
We will be dealing with a team that has a very large group and very good players. But we are at home in Armandie and we are keen, as I said, to make up for the last match against Nice. So we will give everything to win.
You've been in Agen for three months now. How has your integration been going?
Honestly, there was nothing but happiness. I started preparing. That's where I started discovering the professional world because it wasn't like that at all in Blagnac. It took me some time, but it was honestly as I imagined it and I still enjoy it to this day.
“I really like Damien Pinaud.”
Let's talk about your arrival in Ajin. How did that happen?
It happened during the winter when I was playing in the Six Nations B with Portugal. I was doing well and my agent was in touch with SUA. Then it happened very quickly. I met all the staff via video and it was an instant match. Between the club’s ambitions, the project, what they wanted to do with me and what I expected, it all fit together very well. So I signed for three years.
I discovered the Pro D2 this weekend. What do you think of this competition?
With Portugal, we had two games against Romania and Georgia where the level was good, but compared to Blagnac and National it is still a small achievement. We cannot deny that. But not as much as people might think. The national championship is still at a good level and the two years I spent there strengthened me even if there was a slight difference in physical level.
As a winger, do you have a player who inspires you?
Right now, I really like Damien Penaud, but when I was young there wasn't a player I really liked.
“Sebastien Calvet will try to free me for Portugal”
Let's go back to this season. SUA is coming off a tough year where they finished 13th. Should they now look up?
The goal, as Sebastien Calvet said so well, is to have the best possible season by trying to qualify. But we have to go step by step, and give our best.
Personally, do you set goals for yourself?
I want to play as much as possible and take what is available. We have a good group with very good players, so there is competition. This is my first year as a professional, so I still have a lot to learn. At the moment, I have played my first game. For the next stages, whether as a starter or as a substitute, I will do my best to be the best I can.
With Portugal, deadlines await you…
There are games in November against Scotland and the United States. Then there is the Six Nations B in February and March. But we will see with the staff how things go, I am not putting too much pressure on myself in that regard. Sebastien Calvet, as a former coach, knows this system and having already discussed it with him he will try to free me. But that will depend on several criteria. Anyway, that is not my priority at the moment.
