Profile: Michel Vannier

Press, Volume C, Issue 29560, 8 July 1961, Page 5

Profile: Michel Vannier

[Specially written for "The Press" by HENRI GARCIA]

NEARLY three years ago I was waiting with Dr. Martin and masseur Matisse in a small bedroom in the Louvois Hospital, Michel Vannier, great French international full-back, was trying to walk again. For three months he had not used his right leg—not since the day he saved the game for France against a Combined team from Eastern Transvaal. Natal, and Transvaal. Great Moment My thoughts flashed back to that great but terrible moment ... the South African Coetzee diving for the victory try—Vannier’s desperate plunge that put the ball into touch—Coetzee crashing on to Vannier’s outstretched right leg, smashing his knee to pulp. . . . Michel suddenly threw his crutches on the bed. For a few seconds he seemed afraid. His brow was moist. Would he be permanently handicapped? Slowly and carefully he took one step, paused, and took another. He reached the window and gave us a pale smile. “Well, Michel, 0.K.?" asked Dr. Martin. "Confusing, doctor. I was scared to put my weight on the leg which feels stiff, but it doesn't hurt a bit.” “My dear Michel, recovery is sometimes a long battle. You are used to fighting, so get stuck into it." Yea—it was a long battle. And Dr. Martin told us this: “Any normal man who had suffered Vannier’s accident would have been crippled for the rest of his days. But a champion, especially a champion such as he, young, athletic and living a healthy life, has unsuspected possibilities. I feel sure that Michel will be able to take up sport again. Difficult “But will we see him on the Rugby field? That I cannot say. Rugby is the sport requiring qualities which will be the most difficult for Michel to attain. He must have not only a solid leg, but also confidence and courage.” And today Michel Vannier. through gigantic efforts and an unshakable determination, has once again become the full-back for the French XV. In Britain he is regarded as one of the best players in the world.