Rugby Union: Tiko Batibasaga, RC Nîmes’ Fijian bet

Tiko Batibasaga, 1,92 m, 110 kg, est un deuxième ligne puissant. RCN

The Nîmes staff expects second row Tiko Batibasaga, on loan from Vannes, to be the Will Skelton of their team.

1.92m, 110kg. Imposing measurements. Fijian second row Tiko Batibasaga, 24, arrives from Rennes (N2), where he was loaned by Vannes, promoted to the Top 14, the club to which he belongs.

Guillaume Aguilar is already putting him under pressure: “We expect him to be the Will Skelton (Australian international, Editor's note) of our team.” A player capable, therefore, despite his size, of being dynamic in combat phases, of moving with ease, of capitalizing on any ball to advance his team and of hurting all defenses.

"A physical monster"

Last year, Kevin Courties, the manager of the Rennes Étudiants Club, explained his arrival at Rennes as follows: "He is no longer progressing in Espoirs and still has to “stress” to impose himself at the higher level." He was therefore there to gain playing time and develop his qualities, particularly in combat.

His arrival in Nîmes for a one-season loan is part of this same desire. “Tiko Batibasaga is a physical monster. Capable of playing as a 5 or an 8, he will have to bring us his power and his aggressiveness. It's a daring bet for him and for us, recognizes Guillaume Aguilar. He needs to toughen up and work hard to reach his full potential."

In the footsteps of Tavite Veredamu

Originally from Sigatoka in Fiji, Tiko Batibasaga arrived in Vannes in 2019 where he asserted himself between Reichel elite matches with the Espoirs and training with the professional group. He also played a few games with the first team in 2021.

By recruiting the powerful Tiko Batibasaga, the Nîmes Rugby Club wanted to secure the services of a player capable of providing the brute force that is so necessary in crucial moments. Only time will now tell if this Fijian wind will bring the “storm” that the Nîmes team needs. As a certain Tavite Veredamu did at the time.

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