Mohed Altrad: In business, we don't have the strong emotions that rugby provides

"There are encounters that we make during our travels that inspire us more than others. I have been lucky enough throughout my journey to meet people with atypical life paths, who have given me confidence, who have allowed me to stand up and move forward in complicated times.

Among these people, Mohed Altrad. I met him a few years ago in his office in Montpellier and our meeting, which was only supposed to last fifteen minutes, turned into an hour, then two, then three. We talked about his life, mine, our books, the desert, his successes, his failures and paradoxically very little about rugby. I discovered a passionate man with a real sensitivity, who listens, is interesting and interested in people and their lives.

I came out of it grown up, also relieved by the humanity of a man that one would tend to perceive as cold and distant. But this was not the case at all. Yes, I had the privilege to talk to a man who touched me deeply.

No, Mohed Altrad is not just a fortune that pours millions of euros into rugby. No, Mohed Altrad is not just a professional success story. Of course it is always easier to make these shortcuts and always easier to put people in boxes because it reassures but it also prevents the openness and curiosity to seek to know the man behind the often deceptive appearance.

Mohed Altrad is 11 years at the head of the MHR (Montpellier Herault Rugby) that was languishing in "ProD2" (Rugby French second championship). He represents two European championship titles and a Top 14 final. He is also a man who has reached out to numerous associations, a passionate man who does not hesitate to give to the world of amateur rugby.

Yes, Mohed Altrad is a brand, a sponsor, a worldwide success story, but above all he is a passionate man, a writer, a committed man.

Raphaël POULAIN (Poulain Raffute - Eurosports)