Bayonne's Uzair Cassiem fully aware of Munster’s threat

Jack O'Sullivan is tackled by Uzair Cassiem during his time at Scarlets.  Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

Bayonne enter uncharted rugby territory this weekend, as they make their Champions Cup debut against Munster at Thomond Park.

The Top 14 side qualified for the competition via an impressive eighth-place finish in their first season back in the French top flight – just missing out on becoming the first side since Racing 92 in 2009 to go from promotion to play-offs in a single campaign.

The French outfit's veteran backrow Uzair Cassiem explained the squad’s mindset as they enter new competition mode and head from south-west France to south-west Ireland: “It’s a new competition for us and we're not looking too far ahead of ourselves.

"We’re just focused on Munster, one game at a time. We’ll see how it goes at the weekend and then take it from there.” 

Cassiem knows both Munster and Thomond of old.

“I’ve played there a few times with Scarlets and the Cheetahs and every time it's been very cold, very tough," he said.

"Munster, they’re very physical. They’re structurally orientated and they’re on board with their technique. Everybody knows what to do and everyone knows their role.

“They’re very systematic in their approach and what they do – they don't go, go, go. They don't sway away from it.” 

But he’s also noticed that the URC side has evolved since he last played against them.

“I’ve watched a few games with them in the URC and they've brought in a nice attacking game and running game as well. So it's kind of new, but we'll be up for it.” 

One thing he’s not concerned about is the atmosphere in Limerick. Cassiem has been there, seen that, worn the t-shirt and had it ripped off his back.

“I think it comes with territory,” he said. “In France as well, when you play away games it’s very tough – it's the same in any competition.

“Thomond Park is a historic venue. They’ve had some fantastic, legendary matches there, legendary guys who played there. To this day it’s the same, the atmosphere. Once you get that 60 minutes behind you, it's a tough nut to crack. Hopefully we can stand up to the occasion.”

In the World Cup-affected domestic competition, Bayonne have entered that difficult second season territory. They’re 10th in the table, with 19 points and four wins after nine rounds. But they remain unbeaten at home since they returned to the French top flight, and play in front of sell-out crowds every week.

Cassiem believes the tough start was borne of the schedule. “We've played nine games and in our first six games, we had four away and only two at home. But the last four or five weeks, we've been growing as a team.” That growth includes developing and deepening a squad that’s getting to grips with the demands of the French Top 14, and is setting out on a new Champions Cup adventure.

“This year's a little bit better than last year,” Cassiem said. “Last year we didn't have we didn't have a squad to rotate out of this. We've got more depth within our squad and more quality players. And it's like a snowball effect.

"There's a few more who will be coming through next year, as well. We can rotate quality players with quality players. So the workload is divided around the squad.

“The last two seasons we didn't have a quality back-up number eight. And this year we got Rodrigo Bruni. He's a fantastic player. It's nice because we can rotate and it gives you a bit of a breather – peace of mind that the guy coming in is going to do the job.” 

The 33-year-old joined Bayonne in 2021, when the club was in the ProD2 and was coached by Yannick Bru, who’s now in charge at Bordeaux. He has just signed a contract extension through to 2025 – and has not closed the door on staying a while longer.

“I adapted very quickly and very easily. It's been a remarkable two years and I've enjoyed every minute of it. I've just embraced everything – the culture, the people, the rugby. I think I learned the hard way — you have to adapt, you’ve got to embrace everything.

“It's all beautiful till the wheels fall off,” he said, when asked whether this new contract would be his last. “For the foreseeable, the future is Bayonne. I love the people. I love the club. The club is very close to my heart, and with the growth I've seen, the growth they've made and the changes around the club, with the stadium and the campus site and everything, it seems like I'm part of the growth.” 

This first foray into Champions Cup country was a staging post for the ambitious club. “It's not going to take one year for us to be the best. It's going to take a few years for us to grow as a team.

“We see this as another occasion, to grow our systems and the players that we have in our squad, and get some belief in them. And what a way to start, against Munster. Can't be better than that.”