Fabien Galthie set to call Posolo Tuilagi into France squad - report

Perpignan’s 19-year-old lock Posolo Tuilagi is set to receive his first call-up into the France senior squad this week alongside two other U20 world champions, according to French outlet Midi Olympique. 

As Les Bleus prepare for the opening match of the Guinness Six Nations against Ireland on February 2 in Marseille, the 149kg second row is set to be drafted into the squad alongside Pau fullback Théo Attissogbe and Montpellier back row Lenni Nouchi, who both won the World Rugby U20 Championship in South Africa last year alongside Tuilagi.

Stade Francais fly-half Leo Barre is also in line to link up with Fabien Galthie’s squad, while five other players are reportedly returning to their clubs this weekend for the latest round of Top 14 action.

Richard Cockerill on the Georgian coaching opportunity

Richard Cockerill on the Georgian coaching opportunity

Galthie can call upon an additional eight players into his camp, although they have to be from separate clubs and cannot be from Toulouse, Bordeaux, Racing 92, or La Rochelle, who provided the bulk of the squad.

France’s squad has already been blighted by injuries before the tournament has even started. Toulouse duo Anthony Jelonch and Emmanuel Meafou have both picked up knee injuries, with the former set to miss the entire Championship. As like-for-like replacements go for the 145kg lock Meafou though, Tuilagi is the best candidate France have.

Prior to Galthie announcing his squad, there was plenty of confusion as to whether the Samoan-born son of Henry Tuilagi was eligible to represent France as he did not have a French passport. Vice-President of the French Rugby Federation Jean-Marc Lhermet quickly quashed the belief that he was not eligible, and he has now edged closer to a potential debut this year, although that may still be a way off.

Tuilagi will now likely miss Perpignan’s trip to Lyon this Saturday in the Top 14.