Damian Penaud, the French rugby sensation, is poised to achieve something special: he’s on the verge of becoming France’s all-time leading try-scorer, and he might even break Serge Blanco’s long-standing record at Twickenham.
But what’s truly remarkable is that Penaud remains entirely unfazed by the potential pressure of such an achievement.
The Bordeaux winger doesn’t let the weight of expectations get to him.
In fact, he seems to thrive under the spotlight, and his focus during matches is as sharp as ever.
Even though he missed the opening match of the Six Nations due to a toe injury, he’s back on track and ready to face England.
Steve Borthwick’s side would be mistaken if they think they can throw him off his game.
Damian Penaud’s Calm Under Pressure
For most players, a match like Le Crunch – one of rugby’s most anticipated games – would come with nerves and tension.
After all, playing in front of 82,000 fans at Twickenham, not to mention millions watching on TV, can be a huge mental challenge.
But for Penaud, that pressure seems to roll off his back.
His former Clermont teammate, Nick Abendanon, shares an interesting anecdote that perfectly captures Penaud’s laid-back approach.
“Before a big game, two minutes before running out, he’s often on his phone, playing a game like Battle of the Clans,” Abendanon says.
“Then, just moments later, he’s out on the field scoring four or five tries. He has this remarkable ability to compartmentalize, keeping the pressures of the game separate from everything else in his life.”
This cool-headed demeanor has been a constant in Penaud’s career, according to Joe Worsley, a former England flanker who has spent years trying to figure out how to stop him.
Worsley believes it’s in Penaud’s nature to stay relaxed, adding that his calmness is clearly inherited from his father, Alain Penaud, a rugby legend in his own right.
“Damian’s very relaxed and doesn’t feel the pressure.
He’ll even joke about things on the pitch, like missing a tackle, and still play brilliantly.
It’s part of his character,” Worsley explains.
A Rising Star at Bordeaux
Now in his prime at 28 years old, Penaud has firmly established himself as one of the top wingers in world rugby.
His recent form for Bordeaux, where he’s been scoring tries for fun, has only added to his growing reputation.
His record-breaking performances in the Champions Cup, including two incredible hat-tricks, show just how lethal he can be in attack.
The chance to break Blanco’s national try-scoring record is within reach, and Penaud is not only looking to achieve it, but to do so in front of an English crowd at Twickenham.
He scored twice during France’s 53-10 thrashing of England there in 2023, so it’s clear that the French star has a special knack for performing in London.
Having grown up in Brive, a town synonymous with rugby, Penaud left his roots behind to pursue his career at Clermont.
His move to Bordeaux has only amplified his skill set, and he’s been on fire ever since.
His phenomenal try-scoring rate at Bordeaux – 33 tries in just 32 games – is a testament to his finishing ability.
Unassuming and Focused Off the Field
Despite his immense talent, Penaud’s personality off the field remains humble and unpretentious.
While many rugby stars dive headfirst into the limelight and commercial endorsements, Penaud has chosen a different path.
He doesn’t seek fame and often shuns the spotlight.
His main passion outside of rugby is chess, something Bordeaux’s coach, Yannick Bru, jokingly commented on after one of Penaud’s stunning performances.
“Damian spends more time on chess tutorials than game plans,” Bru said with a laugh.
“But it’s great to have him around.”
Though Penaud might not seek fame, his brilliance on the field speaks for itself.
His speed, agility, and ability to read the game make him almost unstoppable.
Evening in one-on-one situations, he has the strength and pace to break through defenses.
As Abendanon puts it, “His ability to beat someone one-on-one with his speed is extraordinary.”
England Will Have Their Hands Full
With Penaud in top form and in such a relaxed state of mind, England’s defense will have to be on high alert.
He’s not only a powerful winger, but his tactical awareness and ability to read the game mean he can tear apart opposition defenses.
Worsley notes, “If he gets the ball in space, after a turnover or poor kick, he’ll punish you.
He has such a deadly combination of strength and speed that he’s become a nightmare for any team.”
It’s no surprise that Penaud is seen as one of the best in the world right now.
If he continues his current form, England’s hopes of containing him will be tested to the limit.
His ability to score and the pace at which he plays mean that if he gets a sniff of space, he can do damage.
A Legend in the Making
As Penaud continues to impress for France, there’s little doubt that he’s on track to rewrite history.
With Blanco’s try-scoring record within his sights, it’s only a matter of time before he claims it.
“He’s going to be around for a while,” Worsley predicts.
“He’s going to smash a lot of records.”
For England, the challenge of stopping Penaud at Twickenham is one that will require all their focus and preparation.
But even then, they’ll need to contend with a player who has mastered the art of pressure-free rugby and continues to impress on the world stage.
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