France win tug-of-war with All Blacks as ‘most sought-after’ youngster joins Top 14 powerhouse
In a blow to the Hurricanes and All Blacks, U20 sensation Patrick Tuifua has decided his future joining Top 14 giants Toulon.
The back-rower failed to crack the Hurricanes Super Rugby Pacific team this year after sustaining an injury in pre-season.
Patrick Tuifua joins Toulon
The 20-year-old New Caledonia-born star would have qualified to represent New Zealand this year but has instead decided to take his talents to the Top 14, signing a three-year deal with RC Toulon.
His decision brings an end to a tug of war for his services as New Zealand Rugby were hopeful that he would remain in Wellington and commit to the Hurricanes with the loose forward eager to realise his dream of playing Super Rugby.
However, the lure in France was too great, with Toulon beating La Rochelle, Stade Francais, Montpellier and Toulouse to his signature with respected publication Midi Olympique dubbing him as the “most sought-after French prospect.”
While Tuifua has not played Super Rugby yet, it was reported last year that Fabien Galthie was keen on taking him on tour to South America before a knee injury ruled him out and prevented France from capturing the youngster.
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The forward played twice for the French U20s last year and has impressed for Hawke’s Bay in the NPC while also shining for the Hurricanes at U20s level.
“We are delighted to welcome Patrick Tuifua to the RCT,” RCT Sporting Director Laurent Emmanuelli said.
“His athleticism and ability to cross will make him a valuable asset to the team. His arrival is in line with the dynamic we want to give to the club: a clever blend of experience and youth, serving ambitious and spectacular rugby.”
Toulon’s ins and outs
Tuifua will strengthen Toulon’s back-row stocks, particularly after the injury of club captain Charles Ollivon and the expected departures.
It’s reported that Argentine international Facundo Isa will join Pau at the end of the season while Matteo Le Corvec heads to Perpignan and Selevsio Tolofua to Clermont.
If the reports are true, Tuifua will join Ignacio Brex and Zach Mercer at Toulon next season while bolstering the back-row stocks, which includes Esteban Abadie, Jules Coulon, and Lewis Ludlam.
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