Teen lock Tuilagi called up by France for Ireland Test

English Woman's Journal - Teen lock Tuilagi called up by France for Ireland Test

SPORTS 01.02.2024

Teen lock Tuilagi called up by France for Ireland Test / Photo: Valentine CHAPUIS - AFP/File

Perpignan teenager Posolo Tuilagi has been called up by France coach Fabien Galthie for Friday's opening Test match of the 2024 Six Nations in Marseille against Ireland.

Change text size:

Tuilagi replaces fellow lock Romain Taofifenua on the bench, the latter ruled out with sickness.

The 19-year-old Tuilagi, born in Samoa, represented France at the under-20s World Cup last year.

He is the son of former Samoa international and Perpignan player Henry Tuilagi, with whom he moved as a three-year-old to England when he signed for Leicester.

Henry Tuilagi later settled in Perpignan after hanging up his boots.

Posolo Tuilagi is also the nephew of England centre Manu Tuilagi and former Samoa internationals Freddie, Alesana, Anitelea and Sanele Vavae Tuilagi.

Teams (15-1)

France

Thomas Ramos; Damian Penaud, Gael Fickou, Jonathan Danty, Yoram Moefana; Matthieu Jalibert, Maxime Lucu; Gregory Alldritt (capt), Charles Ollivon, Francois Cros; Paul Willemse, Paul Gabrillagues; Uini Atonio, Peato Mauvaka, Cyril Baille

Replacements: Julien Marchand, Reda Wardi, Dorian Aldegheri, Cameron Woki, Posolo Tuilagi, Paul Boudehent, Nolann Le Garrec, Louis Bielle-Biarrey

Coach: Fabien Galthie (FRA)

Ireland

Hugo Keenan; Calvin Nash, Robbie Henshaw, Bundee Aki, James Lowe; Jack Crowley, Jamison Gibson-Park; Caelan Doris, Josh van der Flier, Peter O'Mahony (capt); Tadhg Beirne, Joe McCarthy; Tadhg Furlong, Dan Sheehan, Andrew Porter

Replacements: Ronan Kelleher, Cian Healy, Finlay Bealham, James Ryan, Ryan Baird, Jack Conan, Conor Murray, Ciaran Frawley

Coach: Andy Farrell (ENG)

Referee: Karl Dickson (ENG)

K.McMillan--EWJ

FA Cup Second-Round Draw Confirmed for Non-League and Midlands Clubs

The FA Cup second-round draw has been finalized, setting up crucial ties for non-league teams aiming to reach the third round proper. Several clubs from the Midlands, including Burton Albion and Kidderminster Harriers, have secured their next opponents following recent victories over lower-league opposition.

Panthers expected to begin 2027 NRL season away from new stadium

The new Penrith Stadium is expected to be ready in time for the opening round of the 2027 NRL season, but it’s still likely the Panthers is expected to be on the road for their early matches. There is no delay to the build of the new $309 million venue but there’s a lack of appetite for risk around weather delays through the summer.

Tayyab Arif hits 57 on Pakistan Test debut against Sri Lanka

RAWALPINDI, Pakistan (AP) — Tayyab Arif smashed an aggressive half-century on debut and provided a new-look Pakistan lineup a confident start to the first cricket test against Sri Lanka on Monday. The 20-year-old Tayyab struck nine boundaries and a six in his 57-run knock as Pakistan reached 137-2 at lunch on a greenish wicket that lured Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis to bowl first after winning the toss.

English Woman's Journal - Teen lock Tuilagi called up by France for Ireland Test