The 14-year-old has been a fanatic of the rapidly rising French giants since birth and is dreaming of one day following in the footsteps of current superstars Matt Giteau, Ma’a Nonu, Duane Vermeulen and Leigh Halfpenny.
The Dubai-born French teenager has lived in the UAE all of his life but came to the attention of the three-time European champions earlier this year after his father Cyril sent them a tape of his son in action at a school’s sevens tournament.
Toulon liked what they saw and offered Requillart a trial and, subsequently, an offer to join their academy.
“Toulon’s always been my dream,” said the Dubai English Speaking School outside centre.
“I’m a Toulon fan since I was born, I have always loved them, the way they play and the players. They’re my favourite team and I’m French so it’s special.”
Requillart will spend the first two weeks of the summer with the club as well as the last two weeks, while from next season he will travel to France for a week every two months where he will train and play a game with the academy.
Despite harbouring dreams of one day playing for the Top 14 side as well as the French national team, Requillart admits his parents also want him to keep his feet on the ground.
“With everything that’s going on with Toulon right now and the players they have it would be the dream to play with them, as well as France too, but I know it’s going to be tough,” said the talented teen.
“I have a dream but obviously mum and dad are putting their foot down and saying studies come first. My parents don’t want me to go now, they want me to finish my GCSE’s here in Dubai.
“The UAE is my home. We’re happy here which is another reason why I’m not going to be leaving permanently at the moment.
“I want to play rugby at a high level and maybe in the future I can become a professional player. The dream would be to stay with Toulon but I don’t know how I’ll grow, if I’ll still be a good player in a few years.
“Dad says study first then rugby after. He’s really keen on me having a career outside rugby in case I get injured, as a back-up plan.”
Requillart is known for his searing pace and the intensity he displays in games, with his director of rugby at DESC claiming his development has been rapid.
“Baptiste has a superb work ethic both on and off the pitch,” said Robin Giles.
“Baptiste pushes himself extremely hard in training and in matches, the level of intensity he brings is what separates him from most players.
“When he hits, he hits hard, when he runs he only has one gear and he never coasts. Having this mentality of training and playing at 100 per cent intensity and effort means he is developing extremely fast.
“Baptiste has been an integral part of the DESC Under-14s rugby side this year, helping the squad win Dubai College 10s in March. DESC will work closely alongside Toulon Academy to ensure Baptiste’s continued development.
“Baptiste is a superb example of the players that Dubai is capable of producing with the right support. It is our goal here at DESC to ensure that players are given all of the tools to move directly into professional rugby when they leave.
“Youth rugby is certainly on the up here in Dubai and Baptiste’s success is a good example of what can be achieved here in Dubai. The bar has been raised and clubs and schools are becoming more competitive with foreign counterparts.”
Requillart paid tribute to those who have been key to his development, including Giles, his coaches at club side Dubai Exiles and also UAE national team coach Apollo Perelini, who he also trains with, although he feels the hard work is just beginning.
“The coaching has definitely helped me get this chance, of course,” said Requillart, who will have to switch to the wing at Toulon from his favoured centre position.
“It’s good coaching I receive over here, a lot of technical stuff which has helped me improve. They’ve helped me a lot as well as Mr Giles too with the gym programme. I’m really grateful for those people taking the time to help me.
“There was a huge difference in the levels between Toulon and Dubai. They said to me after the trial that they were interested in me and I could stay with them, but I’d have to play winger.
“I’m an outside centre but the guy there is much better than me so I had to play wing because I have speed.”
