Rugby: Patrick Tuifua, the New Caledonian phenomenon who hesitates between the French XV and the All Blacks

His first steps with the French under-20 team caused a stir. Patrick Tuifua played two matches with the Bleuets during the last Six Nations Tournament, and was even voted man of the match against Ireland. Problem: the player is torn between France - he has JIFF status (Player from training channels) having started at the Caledonian club JSL Normandie Rugby and having passed through the Pôle France in Nouméa - and New Zealand, where he had obtained a scholarship to Lindisfarne College (in Hastings, in the east of the North Island), at the age of 15.

The powerful third row (1.91 m and 114 kg) was called to a New Zealand U19 training camp. But it is thanks to Boris Bouhraoua, consultant at Canal, and during the broadcast on the encrypted channel of a match of his Hawke's Bay team, that the Bleuets staff discovered this phenomenon, nephew of the pillar Laurent Simutoga (passed through Stade Français and La Rochelle), which had completely gone under federal radar.

Which nation will he choose for his international career? The All Blacks have spotted the player of French origin who plays with the Hawke's Bay Magpies (his contract runs until 2025) in NPC, the Kiwi provincial championship, and could make his debut in Super Rugby with the Hurricanes of Wellington. Former coach of La Rochelle and Clermont, Jono Gibbes is now in charge of the New Zealand U20 team, which launches the famous “Baby Blacks”. And he assured L’Équipe: “Patrick remains eligible for the All Blacks. If the Hurricanes recruited him, it’s because they believe in him. And it’s the royal road to joining the All Blacks.”

For the moment, the fact of having been selected for the French U20s has not “locked” him for France, the FFR confirmed to us, which has created a “France development team” which is “blocking” ". No legal battle to be expected between the FFR and the NZRU over Patrick Tuifua, who will be able to choose the selection he wants. “I remain eligible for the All Blacks next year, after five years of residence in New Zealand,” he explains to L’Équipe. In the meantime, the promising phenomenon is already of interest to several Top 14 teams: he has already visited the facilities in La Rochelle and Toulon.

The French U20 team, three-time reigning world champion, is counting on its nugget for the next World Cup which will be held from June 29 to July 19 in South Africa. Asked at a press conference during the last Tournament, Patrick Tuifua said: “Apparently, they are three times world champions, right? Maybe we will be for the fourth time. Let's hope..." Unless Fabien Galthié decides to take him to Argentina, for the summer tour of the XV of France against the Pumas. Just to “lock” it for good.