NBA superstar Victor Wembanyama says he was inspired by the unity and camaraderie of rugby after spending part of his summer off-season training with French second tier side Provence.
The 22-year-old Frenchman, who is 7ft 4in and 16st 11lbs, is known for his off-beat search for ways to improve his game. He spent a fortnight focusing on physical and mental strength with Shaolin monks in China in 2025., external
Footage shows Wembanyama, external hitting tackle pads, going through passing drills, taking part in a line-out and looming over the rest of the Provence team in a huddle before a pre-season friendly in August.
He was also filmed sharing a dressing-room embrace with former England international Teimana Harrison, who won five England caps in 2016 and now plays for Provence.
“It was a great experience, seeing the team spirit they have over there,” said Wembanyama,, external who was joined on the trip by San Antonio Spurs’ team-mate Harrison Barnes.
“It was very inspiring to see the relationship between team-mates, coaches and fans. The training was really hard, really good for stability, movement patterns and developing strength, but I am more grateful for the experience of how I was welcomed there.
“I have never been welcomed anywhere like this. I wasn’t part of the team but they treated me like I was. I want to do it again.”
Wembanyama combined his work with Provence with hosting his Hoop Gambit event, in which participants play games of chess and basketball, in his hometown of Le Chesnay.
Wembanyama’s Spurs fell just short of the NBA Championship earlier this year, going down 4-1 to the New York Knicks in June.
Provence, who previously have been represented by Wales internationals George North and Tomas Francis, have begun their season and search for promotion to the Top 14 well, winning their first five league games.
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