NBA superstar Victor Wembanyama has found inspiration from French second-tier rugby side Provence after spending some of his off-season training time with them.
The French star said he was impressed with the level of unity and camaraderie in the team.
The 22-year-old, who stands 7ft 4in and weighs 16st 11lbs, is known for looking in unusual places for an edge. In 2025 he spent a fortnight with Shaolin monks in China, working on his physical and mental strength.
Cross-sport connection 🏀🏉
@wemby and @hbarnes visited @ProvenceRugby to study their team chemistry, execution, and strength training!
(via: @spurs)
https://t.co/mJ0gIFvgHM
— NBA (@NBA) October 5, 2026
This time it was rugby. Footage shows him hitting tackle pads, running passing drills and even joining in a line-out. Before a pre-season friendly in August, he can be seen in the team huddle, looming over everyone around him.
There’s a warmer moment too. He was filmed sharing an embrace in the dressing room with Teimana Harrison, a former England international who won five caps in 2016 and now plays for Provence.
“It was a great experience, seeing the team spirit they have over there,” said Wembanyama,who was joined on the trip by San Antonio Spurs’ team-mate Harrison Barnes.
“It was very inspiring to see the relationship between team-mates, coaches and fans. The training was really hard, really good for stability, movement patterns and developing strength, but I am more grateful for the experience of how I was welcomed there.
“I have never been welcomed anywhere like this. I wasn’t part of the team but they treated me like I was. I want to do it again.”
BBC Sport reported that Wembanyama paired his time with Provence with hosting his Hoop Gambit event in his hometown of Le Chesnay, where participants play games of both chess and basketball.
It comes after a painful finish to his season. His San Antonio Spurs fell just short of the NBA title, losing the Finals 4-1 to the New York Knicks in June.
Provence, meanwhile, are off to a flying start in their push for promotion to the Top 14. They’ve won their first five league games. The club has had some notable names on its books, including Wales internationals George North and Tomas Francis.
