Robert Samatan

Robert Samatan

Samatan before the match against Germany in 1931.
Personal information
Full name	Robert Urban Jean Samatan
Born	(1909-04-16)16 April 1909 Toulouse, France
Died	4 May 1986(1986-05-04) (aged 77) Antibes, France
Playing information
Height	5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)
Weight	76 kg (12 st 0 lb)
Rugby league
Position	wing
Club Years Team Pld T G FG P 1934–?? Lyon RC Roanne XIII 6 Total 6 0 0 0 0 Representative Years Team Pld T G FG P 1934–37 France 12
Rugby union
Position	Wing
Club Years Team Pld T G FG P 1930–31 Agen Representative Years Team Pld T G FG P 1930–31 France 10 6
Coaching information
Representative Years Team Gms W D L W% 1951–54 France
As of 16 January 2021

Robert Samatan, nicknamed Bob la Science (Toulouse, 16 April 1909 - Antibes, 4 May 1986) was a French rugby union and rugby league footballer.

He debuted for T.O.E.C (rugby union), 1.78m tall and weighing 76 kg at his debut, later he played at left wing for SU Agen (but also as right wing or number eight).

A very powerful player, he is the forerunner of the modern wingers' playing style. The first player to be inspired by his lively and alert technique was Jean Dauger, who played for Bayonne.

In March 1934, he was dismissed from SU Agen, and was part of the rugby league team of the "Galia's Boys" who made a memorable tour in England under the management and captainship of its creator Jean Galia. His status as a Pioneer (Galia's Boy) did not qualify him as a French International.

Opting for rugby league, he integrated the Roanne XIII squad where Max Rousié and Jean Dauger played alongside him in 1938.

In 1951, he led the first French tour of a team sport (e.g. France national rugby league team) in Australia and New Zealand.

In his civil life, he worked as wholesaler in the food sector.