Sebastien 'Caveman' Chabal signs for Lyon – Rugby news update
Sebastien Chabal, who is also known as the 'caveman' (thanks to his rugged beard, long hair and hefty stature), has been at the centre of a transfer battle over the last few months, with several teams vying for his signature. However, the wait is finally over as he signed for Lyon, the day the transfer window officially commenced.
Standing 6 feet 3 inches, the no.8 has played for France in 62 tests overall and at the age of 34 he has a few more years left in him. He made his national debut in a match against Scotland at Murrayfield, on Mar 4, 2000. He has never been a consistent performer for France but he has been used sparingly ever since he made his debut.
The French international has had problems with his previous teams and the most notable being his time at Racing Metro. He failed to negotiate a new contract with the Top 14 team and was released by the management. In his time with the club, it was rumoured that Chabal and coach Pierre Berbizier could not see eye to eye and were involved in a ‘heated exchange’, which led to his eventual ouster.
Chabal, after playing in England and in his native France, moved to the Southern Hemisphere and made a cameo appearance for the Australian side Belmain. The papers were full of praise for the No.8, and The Sydney Morning Herald wrote about him, "Chabal made a difference in the set piece, providing crucial go-forward at the scrum but his second-division subbies teammates more than held up their end of the bargain."
It was uncertain where he would play the next season, and a possible destination often rumoured was Stade Francais, but instead he signed for Lyon. His new team have had an indifferent season and they currently sit at the bottom of the Top 14 table, and it is likely that the most recognised French rugby player might be plying his trade in the second division next year.
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