Romain Taofifenua withdraws from the opening match against Ireland and replaced by Posolo Tuilagi

New absentee for the XV of France. Lyon’s second row, Romain Taofifenua, “suffering”, had to forfeit the first match of the Six Nations Tournament on Friday against Ireland, the French Rugby Federation announced Thursday, February 1. He is replaced by the young player from Perpignan Posolo Tuilagi (19 years old, 0 selection), called to Marseille the day before as a precaution.

“Romain Taofifenua has been unwell since Wednesday. As a result, Fabien Galthié exchanged with Franck Azéma [manager de Perpignan] : they decided to integrate Posolo Tuilagi within the France group“, initially indicated the FFR in a press release before announcing the package of “Tao” “due to his state of health“.

“I think that Romain Taofifenua is certainly one of the best impact players in the world, today the fact that he is not there, obviously we ask ourselves questionsreacted William Servat, the scrum coach of the XV of France on Thursday at a press conference. But the arrival of Posolo [Tuilagi] seems to reassure us about the potential he has and the ability to be present in the match tomorrow, we have no doubt about that.”

Posolo Tuilagi as replacement

This is the third withdrawal from the second line position within the French XV after those of Thibaud Flament, injured in one foot, and Emmanuel Meafou, injured in the knee. The opportunity perhaps for Posolo Tuilagi, son of former Samoan international Henry Tuilagi and nephew of XV de la Rose center Manu Tuilagi, to experience his first selection with the Blues if he comes into play. His size (1 .92 m for 145 kg) and his power make him a rare profile in the French team.