The 20-year-old rugby star won the World Cup with the under 20s in 2023 before breaking into France’s senior side last summer and the Section Paloise player admitted his whirlwind success has all come as a shock.

He told Rugby World magazine: “It’s a childhood dream.

“I never set out to become a professional player but I’m so proud of where I am today.

“As a kid, I was lucky enough to go to Toulouse games and Top 14 finals with my dad.

“The sport has always been my first love and those memories stayed with me.

“To now be playing professionally still feels surreal.”

Theo admitted he was changed “forever” after representing his country’s under 20s in the World Cup two years ago.

He said: “The 2023 World Cup will always stay with me.

“Winning the title and calling yourself a world champion was a dream come true.

“Everything from the training camps to life off the pitch marked me forever.”

Theo played in two Tests in Argentina last summer before finding a place in France’s Six Nations squad, with him scoring two tries on his debut in the tournament against Wales.

He said: “Sine I was four, my winters have revolved around the Six Nations.

“To start my journey that way was unbelievable.”