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Son of Romania legend wanted by 3 French clubs
By Francisco Isaac
Taylor Gontineac has left now-relegated Pro D2 side Rouen Normandie and is currently pondering his next step, as three clubs are lining up the talented Romanian centre.
The 23-year-old came through the youth ranks at Aurillac and ASM Clermont, before moving to Rouen Normandie to play his first game as a senior player, being integral to keeping the club afloat in the Pro D2.
In 2019 he made his Test debut, but his breakthrough season for the Oaks only came in 2023, scoring six tries in that year’s Men’s Rugby Europe Championship.
He was then called up for the Rugby World Cup, coming in as a sub against Ireland and starting in the next match, playing the full 80 minutes against the Springboks. Gontineac has amassed fourteen caps and seven tries since 2019.
Agen and AS Béziers-Hérault are currently looking to reinforce their backline, as former Saracens and Harlequins centre Harry Sloan and Maxime Espeut are leaving at the end of the season.
Grenoble have already hired centres Yan Lestrade (Bayonne) and Gerswin Mouton (Tel-Aviv Heat), but the club is floating the idea of adding Gontineac's talent to their roster, as they are eyeing a Top 14 promotion in 2024/2025.
No decision has been made, as the season for AS Béziers-Hérault and FC Grenoble is not over – both sides are qualified for the Pro D2 knockout stage – and new signings will only be announced after its conclusion. The next couple of weeks will be decisive for what is next for one of Romania’s star players.
Taylor Gontineac is the eldest son of Romanian legend Romeo Gontineac, who stared for his country in four Rugby World Cups and enjoyed a top level senior career for the South-African SWD Eagles and French clubs FC Grenoble, Section Paloise, and Stade Aurillacois.
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The appearances of Hansen & Foster in media recently smack of history revision.
Foster's prior eight years international test experience when he took over counted for little. By mid-2022, an overall win rate in the low 60s caused NZR to intervene. Foster's ABs had been reduced to a laughing stock.
Joe Schmidt became a selector in 2022 & was given an expanded role as Foster's mentor. Rugby NZ clearly had coaching concerns.
After the well documented sackings Schmidt & Ryan joined Foster's coaching team. It was from that point, the ABs began to show signs of improvement. And nearly won the RWC. In spite of Foster in my opinion.
Go to commentsWe know precisely who this Xmas gift was for, Nick. I've got out the red wine, a cigar and have my feet up. Let the fun begin.
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