This Saturday, rugby fans will witness a unique coincidence as two players named Tevita Tatafu compete on opposing sides: one for Bayonne and another for UBB. Born in Tonga, the Bayonne prop, who has transformed his physique for success, is set to debut for France against Japan at Stade de France. His journey to French rugby was aided by his uncle, Toma’akino Taufa, emphasizing family connections in the sport.
Two Tevita Tatafus: A Unique Coincidence on the Rugby Field
This Saturday, as Japan faces off against France, rugby fans will witness a fascinating coincidence with Tevita Tatafu. The Bayonne prop shares his name with another Tevita Tatafu, who plays for UBB in the Top 14 and represents Japan on the international stage. While both players have the same name, they are not related, despite any speculation. The UBB flanker will start the match on the bench, and he clarified, “No, he is not my cousin. We have the same name but we have no relation.”
A Journey from Tonga to the Basque Coast
Tevita Tatafu, the formidable Bayonne player, was born on October 13, 2002, in Nuku’alofa, Tonga’s capital, before moving to Eua, the oldest volcanic island in the Pacific. Growing up in a large family with seven sisters and two brothers, he balanced his education with rugby and laboring alongside his father in the fields. After living in Tonga until October 2019, he finally made his way to the picturesque Basque coast.
Family Ties in French Rugby
His transition to France was made smoother thanks to his uncle, Toma’akino Taufa, who plays for UBB and has a history with clubs like Tarbes and Grenoble. Toma’akino, also a prop, played a crucial role in Tevita’s journey. He shared, “I was spotted during a tournament in Auckland, with interest from two New Zealand clubs and a Japanese team. But it was my uncle Toma who reached out, showing my videos to Yannick Bru, the coach at Bayonne.”
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Transforming for Success
The story of Tevita Tatafu also highlights his commitment to physical transformation. In an interview with Midi Olympique, William Servat, forwards coach of the French XV, discussed the evolution of the 22-year-old. “When Tevita joined us last June for the Argentina tour, he weighed 158 kilos. As of Friday, he was down to 140 kilos, all while retaining his incredible strength, particularly in scrums. He has quickly understood the demands at the international level, thanks to collaborative efforts with his club, Bayonne.” Tevita himself expressed his goals, stating, “I would like to lose more to drop to 135 kg.”
A Father’s Dream Realized
During the Covid pandemic, after arriving in France, Tevita Tatafu frequently connected with his family. His father, Ma’u He’Ofa, a devoted fan of Uini Atonio, urged him, “Promise me to do everything to play for France!” That dream has now materialized, as the young right prop from Bayonne is set to make his debut at the Stade de France wearing the blue and red jersey against Japan. Until November 2024, he was unable to be selected by Fabien Galthié due to World Rugby’s residency requirement of five years for playing for a country other than one’s own.