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When it comes to rugby dynasties, they don’t come much more famous – or for that matter sizeable – than the Tuilagis.
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Ever since Freddie Tuilagi first ran out for Leicester Tigers in 2000, the Tuilagi name has become a byword for destructive power on a rugby field. Be it their hard carries or even harder hits, the Samoan family members are to be feared on the pitch as much as they have celebrated off it as good family men and teammates.
And there’s a new Tuilagi off the rank. Posolo Tuilagi is the outsized son of Henry ‘The Butcher’ Tuilagi (6’1, 128kg) and the nephew of Freddie, Alesana, Vavae and England international Manu.
Very much his father’s son in terms of physique, Posolo stands 6’4 and weighs in at an eye-watering 145kg according to his USAP website profile, although he is listed at 149kg on French rugby database All.rugby. That translates to 23 stone 6 pounds in imperial (328 pounds).
Posolo made his debut for Perpignan this weekend at the tender age of 18, although clearly he already possesses the physical attributes to mix it in senior rugby. The giant teenager was sprung from the bench and came in as a second row, although his side were pummelled 43-8 by La Rochelle, with the game already out of sight by the time he made his entrance.
All.rugby list Posolo as Samoan, although he was born while Henry was playing his rugby at Leicester Tigers between 2003 to 2007. France have already flagged their interest in the enormous teenager, having called him into France Under-18 team to face Italy back in March.
He isn’t the first of the next generation of Tuilagis mind. Fred Jnr came through the Leicester Academy system as No.8/loosehead. The 6’3, 120kg son of Freddie Tuilagi made eight appearances for Leicester Tigers before spending a couple of seasons with Colorno and London Scottish respectively. The 25-year-old is listed as playing for Chinnor RFC in the RFU National 1 League.
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Fred’s brother Brian also came through the Leicester Tigers academy before moving to Newcastle and then Saracens. The 6’3, 110kg back row is currently playing for London Scottish, having previously made 12 appearances for Dax in the ProD2 back in 2016/17.
Comments on RugbyPass
Why do people keep on picking Ardie at 7 when he's a ball in hand 8? A modern 7 is the lead tackler and ruck clearer which isn't his strength.
14 Go to commentsSly dig there at Ireland’s propensity to back a non-Irish coach. Must really want it. I’m not sure I like ROG very much. Comes off as unpleasant. But he’d gain my respect if he took a number 7 ranked team and turned them into WC winners. Not even back-to-back. Argentina? Scotland? Or how about Wales? France would be too easy, no?
1 Go to commentsA bit of sensationalism, but surprised by the comments about SBW. I’ve always thought of him as a pretty authentic person. There is nothing worse than working with a colleague you’ve seen straight through.
9 Go to comments100% agree with your comment about Touch. I’ve been playing it competitively since Covid. It’s on a Wednesday night after work. It means the weekend is free for time with my family.
1 Go to commentsRodda back is massively important for the Wallabies. Kaitu at hooker important too coz he was very good a few years ago.
1 Go to commentsThe pink cabous might be eligible this year and the Boks don’t need him
7 Go to commentsNasser and kaitu are options for hooker. Especially Nasser. You forgot Rodda who touch wood will be fit at test time and if fit he’s number one. Great partner for the great Skelton and Oz best lineout caller. Third best lock is LSL whom I’d be inclined to sub on for Skelton around 60 minutes. Probably start valetini at 8 because I like a big body back there. Cale should play 6 at the brumbies. For Wallabies definitely cale in the squad but as an apprentice. Dunno who starts at 6 seru wright Swinton hanigan with Will Harris and Harry Wilson not far away. Seru and Swinton my front runners but Swinton is going. Still if we don’t cap seru then Fiji must coz they need his lineout skills and easily compensate for his lack of weight
7 Go to commentsYeah but who was it?
9 Go to commentsThink you might have written this just before the Brumbies got thrashed last weekend
7 Go to commentsI really do believe that Billy Proctor should be selected at least in the larger squad but also it would be my choice at 13, much more a center than Ioane who can still play at wing. Roigard if fit should play, otherwise it should be Perenara or Christie. Also, Iose could deserve a spot at blindside. Of course, being a Canes supporter I’m biased but I really believe that at least Billy P is deserving a chance and being Holland one of the Selectors, I’m having a little hope he could grab it.
14 Go to commentsI would not play Swinton I’d pick Wright or Hanigan. The rest are decent starters, but can’t agree on any subs except Tupou. My take on the subs: Gibbon, Ueslese, Tupou, LSL, Wilson, White, Will Harrison, and Petaia.
7 Go to commentsSBW the biggest moron to pull on a black jersey a park footy player at best
9 Go to commentsSBW is fast becoming a laughing stock, his misplaced comments & lack of insight Is actually pretty sad.
9 Go to commentsJust well you guys are couch 🛋 potatoes selector's, picking a team of greenhorns to play England! “What are you people smoking?” The halfbacks will be Christie, Fakatava, Perenara Props; Newell, Bower, Lomax, Tunga'fasi, Hookers; Asosa Amua when fit, Taylor, Samisoni,
14 Go to commentsQuite frankly, all this is a bit pathetic. The first time Wales get the Wooden Spoon in 21 years and everyone is on the bandwagon for a ‘play-off’ game. Wales have no obligation to Georgia and no obligation to the rest of the Six Nations to play such a game. If they want Georgia in so badly then they need to include South Africa into a Northern Hemisphere competition with 2 leagues of 4 teams with the top 2 competing for the Championship. Sadly, this will end Triple Crowns and Grand Slams forever. Is this really what you want?
4 Go to commentsI think Finau to start Blackadder to come on. Poss Prokter instead of Ioane, haven't seen much from Reiko so far this year.
14 Go to commentsJoe will have had a good chat with Dave Rennie, a smart move to begin with while it’s doubtful Fast Eddie will be consulted? Plenty of Aus players hitting top form so they should go OK.
7 Go to commentsMmm. Not sure I like this article or see it as necessary.
9 Go to commentsBlackadder but no Finau! 😀 It’s Razor so you are probably right, plus Taylor at 2…
14 Go to commentsThe strongest possible AB side would actually include Aaron Smith, Bodie Retallick, Sam Whitelock, Leicester Fainga'anuku, Shannon Frizzel.. don’t get me started on the rest of the injury hit brigade that got flung on the heap so left. Many a whole not getting filled as of yet.
14 Go to comments