“The absence of a French passport will not be an obstacle”: why can Posolo Tuilagi finally apply for selection according to the FFR ?

Le joueur de l'Usap pourrait finalement postuler à une sélection en équipe de France. L'INDEPENDANT – MICHEL CLEMENTZ

The French Rugby Federation wanted to clarify the position around the selection of Usap player Posolo Tuilagi, despite the fact that the second row does not hold a French passport.

While the information of the absence of a French passport of Posolo Tuilagi would make his selection with the XV of France impossible this Friday, January 12, the French Rugby Federation has wanted to clarify that the Usap player is completely selectable. 

"Although under the presidency of Bernard Laporte an orientation was adopted to limit the selection of foreign players, except holders of a French passport, the process of selecting a player remains exclusively dictated by the rules of World Rugby", first explains the FFR in a press release. 

"In accordance with World Rugby Regulation 8, a player is therefore eligible to represent a national team if he, his parents or grandparents were born in the country concerned, or s" #39;he resided in this country for 60 consecutive months. In addition, a player can only represent one nation during his career, except under specific conditions, continues the Federation.

The decision in the hands of Fabien Galthié

And according to these criteria, the Perpignan player is in fact quite selectable, therefore, according to the French rugby body. 

"The FFR remains committed to promoting players from training sectors while respecting diversity and supporting inclusion in rugby. Selection decisions are the exclusive responsibility of the coach of the XV of France." 

"If the coach considers that Mr. Tuilagi has the necessary skills to represent France, the absence of a French passport will not be an obstacle to his selection", concludes the press release which clearly opens the door to a selection of the second line.