Austin Elite Rugby Signs French Center, Simon Bienvenu from Racing 92

Austin Elite Rugby is excited to announce the signing of French center, Simon Bienvenu. The 6’3”, 210lb back is originally from Toulouse, France. He began playing the game at just 5 years old with US Saint Pierre des Corps Rugby.

At the age of 16, Bienvenu was a part of Stade Toulousain’s u16 selection team; the team won the Alamercery Tournament, the most competitive u16 tournament held in France.

Bienvenu then went on to represent the Toulouse’s u23 selection side – with them he competed in the French Championship Elite Espoir, making it to the final against the countries best u23 teams. He was a standout in the #13 jersey and got the call-up to Stade Toulousain’s u23 academy.

In 2015, Bienvenu trained alongside the professional team, Stade Toulousain. He suited up for them in pre-season to play against The Sharks and Racing 92. That same year, the academy side came in second at the University France in VII and XV – one of the most prestigious academy tournaments held in France.

Entering the 2016-2017 season with Toulouse’s academy side, Bienvenu was named Captain. He continued training with the first-team and again played alongside them during pre-season.

This led him to sign a professional contract with Racing 92 of the French Top 14 League. In 2018 he earned his first official Top 14 cap with Racing 92 against Agen.

In 2018 the French National 7’s development team called up Bienvenu to play in the European Sevens Tournament in Moscow – winning 4th place in the tournament.

Head Coach, Alain Hyardet is excited for the trusted Stade Toulousain product to join our team, as he will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to our backs for the remainder of the 2019 Major League Rugby season and beyond.

Welcome, Simon to the Lone Star state!