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Fabien Galthie set to call Posolo Tuilagi into France squad - report
By Josh Raisey
Perpignan's 19-year-old lock Posolo Tuilagi is set to receive his first call-up into the France senior squad this week alongside two other U20 world champions, according to French outlet Midi Olympique.
As Les Bleus prepare for the opening match of the Guinness Six Nations against Ireland on February 2 in Marseille, the 149kg second row is set to be drafted into the squad alongside Pau fullback Théo Attissogbe and Montpellier back row Lenni Nouchi, who both won the World Rugby U20 Championship in South Africa last year alongside Tuilagi.
Stade Francais fly-half Leo Barre is also in line to link up with Fabien Galthie's squad, while five other players are reportedly returning to their clubs this weekend for the latest round of Top 14 action.
Galthie can call upon an additional eight players into his camp, although they have to be from separate clubs and cannot be from Toulouse, Bordeaux, Racing 92, or La Rochelle, who provided the bulk of the squad.
France's squad has already been blighted by injuries before the tournament has even started. Toulouse duo Anthony Jelonch and Emmanuel Meafou have both picked up knee injuries, with the former set to miss the entire Championship. As like-for-like replacements go for the 145kg lock Meafou though, Tuilagi is the best candidate France have.
Prior to Galthie announcing his squad, there was plenty of confusion as to whether the Samoan-born son of Henry Tuilagi was eligible to represent France as he did not have a French passport. Vice-President of the French Rugby Federation Jean-Marc Lhermet quickly quashed the belief that he was not eligible, and he has now edged closer to a potential debut this year, although that may still be a way off.
Tuilagi will now likely miss Perpignan's trip to Lyon this Saturday in the Top 14.
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Hopefully Joe stays where he is. That would mean Les, McKellar, larkham and Cron should as well. It’s the stability we need in the state programs. But, if Joe goes, RA with its current financial situation will be forced into promoting from within. And this will likely destabilise other areas.
To better understand some of the entrenched bitterness of those outside of NZ and NSW (as an example 😂), Nic, there is probably a comparison to the old hard heads of welsh rugby who are still stuck in the 1970s. Before the days where clubs merged, professionalism started, and the many sharp knives were put into the backs of those who loved the game more than everyone else. I’m sure you know a few... But given your comparison of rugby in both wales and Australia, there are a few north of the tweed that will never trust a kiwi or NSWelshman because of historical events and issues over the history of the game. It is what it is. For some, time does not heal all wounds. And it is still festering away in some people. Happy holidays to you. All the best in 2025.
Go to commentsNot surprised to see Barretts rating. He has always been a solid defender for the ABs but not particularly effective in attack situations.
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