The domino effect continues at Castres. After Dalton Papali’i’s Achilles tendon rupture, Hamish Watson’s arrival as a medical joker and then Enzo Hervé’s loan to Montauban, Castres have confirmed the recall of Théo Vidal, named the best player of last season’s Nationale with Albi.

The domino effect continues at Castres. After Dalton Papali’i’s Achilles tendon rupture, Hamish Watson’s arrival as a medical joker and then Enzo Hervé’s loan to Montauban, Castres have confirmed the recall of Théo Vidal, named the best player of last season’s Nationale with Albi.

A loan cut short by circumstances

The original plan was quite different. Signed by Castres this summer until 2029, the 26-year-old fly-half was due to spend another season on loan at SC Albi, a partner club 40 kilometres from the Stade Pierre-Fabre. But Enzo Hervé’s departure, on loan to Montauban to replace Jack Walsh, pushed the Castres board to bring his arrival forward. Vidal will therefore back up Louis Le Brun at fly-half from the 2026-27 season.

“I am very happy and proud to be joining a club like Castres Olympique, and to be playing at the highest level in France while staying in the Tarn,” said the player, who is “looking forward to discovering the Top 14 and what makes it different”.

An unusual road and a valuable boot

The son of a farmer from the Aure valley, developed at Tarbes and then a Fédérale 1 player at Stade Bagnérais, Vidal did not imagine turning professional when he arrived at Albi in 2020. Six years on, he is coming off a season of 23 matches, 17 of them starts, capped by the Nationale best player award.

His main asset: his kicking game, including from long range. Albi had an 86% success rate at goal last season, largely thanks to him. Enough to win over Xavier Sadourny, always on the lookout for a metronome in that department.