Bastareaud the butt of weather jokes as he adjusts to winter in New York

For a player who is used to the warmer climes of the French riviera playing for Toulon, a move to New York during the winter has hit former France centre Mathieu Bastareaud. 

The 31-year-old has been one of Major League Rugby’s biggest additions ahead of the new season in February, and he is set to play for Rugby United New York. 

However, photos from his new team suggest he is taking some time to acclimatise, being wrapped up at what looks like a snowy training session. 

New York experienced a snow squall during the week and the centre shared on Instagram that is was -8°C, which is roughly 20°C colder than in Toulon currently. 

As a result, Bastareaud has been the butt of a few jokes from fans who think he may now be questioning his move.

He still has a few months to adjust before the season gets underway, but the weather may not improve for a while.

Bastareaud’s American message came at the end of a huge week for Major League Rugby following the announcement that Tendai Mtawarira, the World Cup-winning South Africa prop, has signed for Old Glory DC, the Washington-based franchise. 

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