Ben White, a rising star in the rugby world, has embarked on a transformative journey in France, and his experiences are set to benefit Scotland's Six Nations campaign.
In France, the role of the scrum-half is elevated to an art form. White describes it as a role that demands a unique blend of leadership, decision-making, and creativity. The French scrum-half, or 'nine', is the dictator, the general, and the forward leader, a far cry from the playmaker or distributor roles seen in other rugby nations.
Take, for instance, Maxime Lucu and Antoine Dupont, two of France's finest nines. They orchestrate their teams with a level of control and inspiration that sets the tone for the entire match. White, now at Toulon, shares this responsibility with Baptiste Serin, and together they understand the weight of this role.
"The French nine controls the match in the same way a 10 does for South Africa or England. It's a completely different emphasis, and it took me time to adapt," White admits.
This education extends beyond the pitch. White has been mentored by some of the game's most formidable figures, like Charles Ollivon and David Ribbans, who embody the French approach to forward-driven rugby.
"France produces nines like no other. They control the match, and it's a different role here," Ribbans observes.
White's humility is evident as he describes his ongoing learning process. "I'm still a student of this role. Every week, I learn something new."
The impact of this French education is profound. White has become battle-hardened, learning to make quicker decisions in the scrappy rucks of French rugby. This has translated into a cleaner, more efficient style when he represents Scotland in Test matches.
"It works really well for Tests. The ball is clean, and I can pass with precision. That's my focus with Scotland - to provide service to the boys out wide and maintain the tempo."
But it's not just about survival skills. The French mindset around the nine is deeply creative. It's about momentum, creation, and flair - the little runs, the pops, and the moves that create space and excitement.
"When you have big bodies like Ollivon and Mercer moving at pace, momentum is key. We know when we're on top, and that's when the magic happens," White explains.
For Scotland, the emphasis is on accuracy and breadth, but at Toulon, White can express himself more freely, and this versatility is celebrated in the French mentality.
The Toulon dressing room is a melting pot of languages and perspectives. White describes it as "cosmopolitan and brilliant fun." From Nacho Brex's multilingual skills to Tomás Albornoz's genius on the field, the mix of cultures challenges players to think differently about the game.
Gregor Townsend, Scotland's coach, has recognized White's central role in their Six Nations ambitions. The Scottish backline is a who's who of international talent, and White's partnership with Finn Russell is a key component.
"Finn is free-form and instinctive. My job is to complement him, to anticipate his moves, and to provide the platform for his genius. I'm not there to impose structure; I'm there to support and enable."
White's kicking game, honed at Toulon, has added another dimension to Scotland's tactical arsenal. The French style of play emphasizes a full range of kicking skills, and White has mastered this aspect, providing Scotland with an additional strategic option.
Scotland's depth at scrum-half is a strength, with White joined by Jamie Dobie and George Horne, creating healthy competition. The French-based players, like White and Blair Kinghorn, face unique challenges with travel and language barriers, but their close bond and shared experiences make them a tight-knit group.
"We're a close group, truly mates. I look forward to team time with Jamie and George. We're always together, adding consistency."
As Toulon prepares for the Investec Champions Cup, White is excited about the challenge of facing the Stormers and their star players, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Cobus Reinach.
"These are the players you want to measure yourself against. When you face quality like that, it brings out the best in you."
The respect and admiration in White's voice are palpable as he speaks about these rugby greats.
White's journey in France has not only enhanced his skills but has also shaped him into a scrum-half who understands the demands of different systems. His affable charm and likeability make him a leader that teammates want to follow, whether it's in the sunny Mediterranean or the chilly Edinburgh.
