Nathan Decron began playing rugby union at his hometown club in 2007.[1] In 2013, he joined the SU Agen training center, making his breakthrough into the first team in 2016. In 2017, he moved to Bordeaux, signing a three-year espoir contract with Union Bordeaux Bègles.[2] Hindered by injuries, he returned to SU Agen in 2019.
Early Years at SU Agen
Decron began his professional career in the 2016-17 Pro D2 season, playing five matches. He made his debut against Stade montois.
Union Bordeaux Bègles
During the 2018–2019 season, he made six appearances for Union Bordeaux Bègles, five in Top 14 and one in the EPCR Challenge Cup. A knee injury in the 3rd round of the Espoirs French Championship against SU Agen kept him out for the following season, leading to an extensive rehabilitation at the CERS de Capbreton.
Return to SU Agen
He was loaned to SU Agen by UBB for the 2019–20 season. In February 2020, he signed his first professional contract with the Lot-et-Garonne club until 2022.[3] In December 2020, he was named captain for the match against CA Brive.[4] He experienced Agen's nightmare 2020–21 Top 14 season, concluding with no victories in Top 14.[5]
Fresh start at Section Paloise
During the offseason, he joined Section Paloise from the 2021–22 Top 14 season. He reunited with his best friend Clément Laporte.[6] Following an excellent start to the season, he injured his back during training and suffered a Spinal disc herniation in January 2022.[7] Despite rehabilitation at CERS de Capbreton, he faced difficulties, including flat feet after short distances. Electromyograms showed initial nerve deficits of 70%, reduced to 50% after six months but persisting despite progress. Decron missed 11 months of competition.
It was during the 2022–23 Top 14 season that Nathan Decron made his comeback, participating in 7 Top 14 matches and 3 EPCR Challenge Cup matches. Two seasons after this string of injuries, Nathan Decron has fully recovered and regained his peak physical form, although he still contends with nerve deficits necessitating compensatory muscle strengthening.[8] Nonetheless, Decron has emerged as a linchpin for Section Paloise in 2023-24. This advancement secured him a three-season contract extension.[9]
