6 Nations Tournament 2024: Romain Taofifenua, ill, Posolo Tuilagi will be on the Blues bench against Ireland

Le colosse de l'Usap va faire ses premiers pas en bleu. World Rugby

Le deuxième ligne de Lyon Romain Taofifenua, "souffrant", a dû déclarer forfait pour le premier match du Tournoi des six nations, vendredi, contre l'Irlande, a annoncé jeudi la Fédération française de rugby.

The young player from Perpignan Posolo Tuilagi (19 years old, 0 caps), called up the day before to Marseille as a precaution, therefore replaces Taofifenua (33 years old, 49 caps) on the match sheet. "Romain Taofifenua has been unwell since (Wednesday).

Romain Taofifenua forfait pour France – Irlande ❌

Souffrant depuis hier, la FFR annonce que c'est Posolo Tuilagi, le jeune deuxième ligne de Perpignan, qui le remplace sur la feuille de match ! pic.twitter.com/WI0MIWbPYG

— CANAL+ Rugby (@CanalplusRugby) February 1, 2024

Consequently, Fabien Galthié spoke with Franck Azéma (manager of Perpignan, Editor's note): they decided to integrate Posolo Tuilagi within the France group, the FFR had initially indicated in a press release before announcing the package of "Tao" "due to his state of health.

A profile full of power

The colossal Tuilagi (1.92 m for 145 kg), son of former Samoan international Henry Tuilagi and nephew of XV de la Rose center Manu Tuilagi, could therefore experience his first selection with the Blues if he comes into play. At 19 years old, the young second line of Usap presents a rare profile in France due to his size and his power.

Beaten in mid-October by the Springboks (29-28), future world champions, the XV of France returns to the field this Friday against Ireland, who won the Grand Slam last ;#39;last year, opening the 2024 Six Nations Tournament.