On Saturday, Perpignan will host Lyon for the 19th round of the championship. This is a special date for young Diego Mascarenc, who will be making his Top 14 debut. As the godson of an international player, with a 22-year age difference between them, here are five things to know about him!
It is always a significant moment in a rugby player’s career to discover the Top 14, the biggest championship in the world. This Saturday, facing Lyon, Perpignan will give Diego Mascarenc, a center, the chance to experience this feeling. A young player who has come through the Usap youth ranks, he will wear the number 12 jersey at Aimé-Giral, where the crowd will be cheering for him and his teammates. Here are five things to know to learn more about Diego Mascarenc.
– A Match in Challenge Cup: While it will be his Top 14 debut, Diego Mascarenc has already played a Challenge Cup match against the Lions of Johannesburg on January 17. He played as a second center in this match, showing his potential. Diego has also represented France in the under 18 category.
– 22-year Age Gap with Urdapilleta: Diego Mascarenc, at eighteen, will be playing alongside the experienced Benjamin Urdapilleta, who is 22 years older. Urdapilleta, with 40 years under his belt, will serve as a mentor on the field for the young player. Diego comes from a rugby family, with former French international Fabrice Estebanez being his godfather.
– A First Jersey from Lucas Velarte: Lucas Velarte, who will also be playing on Saturday, recalls presenting Diego Mascarenc with his first jersey for a European match. Velarte speaks highly of Diego’s character and energy, expressing confidence in the young player’s ability.
– From Villefranchoise and Saverdunoise: Before shining in the Usap youth teams, Diego Mascarenc started his rugby journey at FC Villefranchois in Haute-Garonne, then moved on to the US Saverdunoise in Ariège.
