Mickaël Guillard, a key player for Lyon in the Top 14 rugby championship, has been making a strong start to the season with impressive performances. He has played every minute in the first three matches, contributing to three victories. After struggling toward the end of last season, Guillard appears to have regained his form, benefiting from the break. However, maintaining this level of performance may be challenging due to the demanding schedule. For now, he is a crucial player for Lyon’s successful start, and the team would find it difficult to perform well without him. Guillard, who was born in Lyon and trained in Massy, is known for being reserved in his personality. He had already shown strong performances with the French national team, gaining recognition among rugby fans. However, this new phase of his career is taking place in a more competitive championship, where Lyon is finally gaining attention. While it can be difficult to shine when the team is struggling, Guillard is now in a strong position to perform at a high level as the LOU is in good form. The statistics back up his strong performances: 24 carries, three defenders beaten, two turnovers won, 41 tackles, and a 100% success rate in these actions, as noted by rugby analyst Nogodi in his podcast Rugby Confidential. Alongside players like Sacha Valleau and Gaël Fickou, Nogodi discusses Guillard’s mindset, despite the confidence that comes from his team’s recent success. "We write to each other after the match and I tell him bravo for the victory. The first thing he answers me: Yeah, we did the same last year, you can feel the mindset of the guy," said Nogodi in Rugby Confidential. Guillard’s versatility in the second or third row positions makes him valuable to the coach, who sometimes starts him at number 8 or number 5. However, Emmanuel Meafou, a player from Toulouse, is often the preferred choice for these roles due to his size and strength (2.04 meters tall and 142 kilograms). Meafou is currently unavailable for at least three months, giving Guillard the chance to gain experience in the blue jersey. While competition for these positions is fierce, Guillard is proving himself through consistent performances with his club, something he previously lacked to be considered for the national team. With the LOU performing better than expected this season, the race for selection in the French team may be reignited. Other players like Baptiste Couilloud, Léo Berdeu, and Gabin Lorre could also benefit from Lyon’s strong performance, using their good form to push for a spot in the French national team.