By MARK CASHMAN

There are two ways to look at the signing of what many good judges say is the best unsigned backrower in the Shute Shield, Nick Champion De Crespigny to Castres Olympique and the highly regarded Top 14 competition on a one-year deal.

There’s the “one that got away from Australian rugby” line and of course there’s the one preferred by the player himself in that “it’s all part of the journey”.

The 24-year-old de Crespigny has played his last game for Sydney Uni in the Shute Shield for now and he says he’s love to come back to Australia and tick that Super Rugby and beyond box.

“It’s very exciting to be heading over to the south of France to play for one of the big clubs in Europe and I am sure it’s going to be a great experience,” de Crespigny told Rugby News.

“I’ve been in talks with Castres for a little while now and initially they were looking for a lock more than a backrower like myself but they reached out just recently and its has gone from there.

“I would have loved to have finished the season at Sydney Uni but as soon as my visa’s in place and a flight is available they want me over there for pre-season.”

Former Waratahs defence coach Steve Tandy, who is now working with Scotland and the British and Irish Lions in South Africa, pushed the aggressive 193cm and 110kg backrower’s case with the French club.

“I’m just keen to get over there now and try and prove myself at that level,” de Crespigny added.

“I had a crack at the Rebels and the Waratahs but there didn’t seem to be a way through with the way that their rosters were stocked so this is a great chance to play that confrontational style of footy that I like.

“There were a couple of “looks ins” at different times but it just didn’t pan out.

“Playing consistently at that level will develop my game and I’m just keen to soak up the experience of playing Top 14 and living in the south of France.

“I’m told it’s a family orientated club and their style of rugby will suit me.”

Another big plus is the presence of former Brumbies and Waratahs lock Tom Staniforth who has been at the club for the past 18 months or so.

“I went to school with Tom at Canberra Grammar and I am sure he will be able to steer me through the initial stages of this journey as I find my feet,” de Crespigny said.

His skipper at Sydney Uni Jack McCalman says de Crespigny has been the Students’ best player for much of the past three years.

“We’re all ecstatic for him – he really deserve this chance,” McCalman said.

“It’s disappointing that he couldn’t get a chance at the higher level in Australia and I am sure he will be following how we go for the rest of the season.

“He’ll come back to Australia a better footy player.”

Castres head coach Pierre-Henry Broncan said earlier this week: “I’ve been following Nick’s course for several seasons. He is a powerful and fighting player who fits perfectly with Northern Hemisphere rugby. 

“His arrival is going to be an asset this season, especially since we are playing in the Champions Cup and we are going to have to face the best team in Europe.”

IMAGE: AJF PHOTOGRAPHY