Benjamin Bertrand prepares for Toulouse-Castres rugby derby

Stade Toulousain prop Benjamin Bertrand is set to start in the upcoming Top 14 derby against Castres Olympique. The 23-year-old, who has been recovering from a meniscus injury, aims to secure more playing time this season after appearing in twelve matches last year.

Bertrand describes the rivalry between the two clubs as having deep personal roots, noting that his father previously played for the Castres youth teams. He observed that the intensity of the derby often feels higher at the youth level because many players are local to the region, leading to long-standing personal and family rivalries.

Ahead of the match, Bertrand expressed his readiness to contribute to the squad, noting that while he considers himself a ‘young veteran,’ he intends to let more experienced players lead the group. He expects a highly physical encounter, anticipating that Castres will look to exploit any perceived vulnerabilities in the Toulouse lineup.