RC Toulon has always been a breeding ground for exceptional talent, but the emergence of Gaël Dréan has particularly captured the imagination. With a blistering pace that surpasses even Cheslin Kolbe, Dréan has not only broken records but also expectations since his debut in the 2022/23 season. His rapid ascent has seen him make 65 appearances and score 37 tries, earning him a well-deserved spot in the French national team for the 2026 Six Nations.
Dréan's speed, which initially stunned Toulon’s coaching staff, has become a hallmark of his play. "From the very first training session, I was surprised by his speed," admitted Andrea Masi, Toulon’s backs coach and a former Italian international. Dréan's ability to convert raw pace into tactical advantage on the field has evolved, making him not only a fast player but a smart one. "He’s much smarter in his movement now. He gets to the loose ball because he makes better running decisions," Masi noted, highlighting the winger's growth.
"He’s developed an incredible technique for the fend-off; he works on it every week."
Such dedication has translated into formidable performances, with Dréan being named the Top 14 Revelation of the Year last season. This season, he has continued to impress, scoring 14 tries in 18 matches, including five in the Champions Cup. His prowess isn't limited to offense; Masi praises his defensive capabilities as well. "He loves the physical aspect, the collision, the big attacking tackles. He is ready for the international level," Masi added.
Anthony Couderc, the head of research and development in the performance department at Toulon, also shared insights into Dréan's exceptional speed. "He’s the fastest player I’ve ever worked with," Couderc revealed. Last season, Dréan set a top speed record of 36.8 km/h, with a notable performance against Munster where his defensive recovery speed clocked at 35.6 km/h. His acceleration is particularly noteworthy; over 10 meters, he clocks in at 1.54 seconds, significantly faster than his peers.
"That’s really rare. Most backs top out at 5.10, with an average around 4.90," said Couderc.
Dréan's blend of top speed and explosive acceleration marks him as a rare talent in rugby, one that not only challenges the limits of physical performance but also reshapes how the game is played. With such attributes, Dréan is not just a player to watch, but a phenomenon that could redefine the boundaries of the sport.