Brace yourselves – one other Tuilagi has arrived. For 25 years, they’ve been the fearsome first household of Samoan rugby, brothers Freddie, Henry, Alesana, Anitelea and Sanele Vavae all representing their dwelling nation; Manu turning into an England star.
Now it’s time to meet the subsequent era. Having made a few appearances off the bench on this Six Nations, Posolo Tuilagi will make his first France begin in opposition to Italy in Lille, the hulking lock thought of a rising star. Nonetheless a young person, Posolo stays eligible for France’s Underneath 20s, however has already featured prominently in two High 14 seasons for Perpignan, the membership at which father Henry ended his skilled taking part in profession.
Born in Samoa, Posolo has been in France since he was three and made his skilled debut for Les Sang et Or in September 2022. Weighing practically 150kg, his stature made him a right away stand-out, however Tuilagi combines his pure dimension benefit with the ability that has powered him into the worldwide image so quickly.
Final yr, Tuilagi was a significant a part of France’s World Rugby U20 Championship-winning age-grade facet, scoring twice in a pool stage win over New Zealand and that includes within the ultimate as France secured a 3rd successive crown.
It was thought that this marketing campaign would possibly come too quickly for Tuilagi, with France well-stocked at tighthead lock and time on his facet. However Emmanuel Meafou’s harm and Romain Taofifenua’s sickness have opened the door for Tuilagi’s inclusion as Paul Willemse’s back-up.
It was thought that lock won’t be his long-term place. Tuilagi is atypically sized for the second row, shorter and squatter than most, and thus not essentially a lineout possibility. A transfer to prop has been mooted, although France coach Fabien Galthie admitted final week that Tuilagi didn’t need a swap, whereas some really feel that Tuilagi might in time have extra influence at quantity eight.
However it’s at lock that he has received his first crack. Tuilagi was not initially included in Galthie’s Six Nations squad, however has benefitted from an settlement between the French union and the High 14 golf equipment that enables six supplementary gamers to affix up with the nationwide crew and prepare every week.
“Posolo is prepared,” stated William Servat, France’s scrum coach, forward of his debut within the Eire opener. “He has spent a part of the week coaching with us. We have been in a position to hold him till Wednesday; on this time, he fitted in effectively and was in a position to participate in all phase-play coaching.
“We spent a bit extra time with him at this time on the line-out, with Laurent [Sempéré, line-out coach] however off the again of what he has been in a position to produce in coaching and in matches for the under-20s, it’s only pure that he ought to take Romain’s place.”
Described as a “lorry” by versatile again Yoram Moefana, Tuilagi’s new worldwide teammates are clearly excited by the 19-year-old’s potential. “It’s a uncommon profile,” says flanker François Cros. “There aren’t lots of gamers like him who’ve his profile and his energy, however he can transfer, too. He’s actually an awesome weapon for us. He’s nonetheless very younger and he can have a vibrant future in rugby.”
Posolo has develop into the eighth Tuilagi to play internationally. Dad Henry performed ten instances for Samoa between 2002 and 2009, and like the remainder of his brothers featured recurrently for Leicester. Their sibling Julie doesn’t play rugby – they establish as fa’afafine, a 3rd gender or non-binary position in Samoan society. Manu, the youngest brother, was born in Samoa however elected to signify England and will sq. off in opposition to his nephew within the ultimate spherical after recovering from harm.