XV of France: “Among the best in his position”, Galthié believes in Meafou

The second row of the Stade Toulouse Emmanuel Meafou “is one of the best players in his position”, estimated the coach of the XV of France Fabien Galthié, during the presentation of the new staff Friday at the Pic Saint-Loup club (Hérault).

“To make no secret, he is a player who has potential. He shows it in the Top 14, and in the European Cup. He will see if he is able to move to the international level. He is there and present among the best second row on the right side,” said coach Fabien Galthié about the forward of Australian origin recently naturalized French.

Arriving at the end of 2018 at Stade Toulouse, Emmanuel Meafou, 25, was unable to participate in the World Cup this year, having not yet obtained French nationality, and not having lived in the country for at least five years, a criterion imposed by World Rugby on players who wish to play for a selection of which they do not have nationality.

The FFR had submitted a request for an exemption to the rugby governing body, in vain.

His naturalization at the beginning of November made him eligible for selection with the French XV, whose next event will be the Six Nations Tournament in February. A tournament for which the second row could have been selected even without a French passport, having by then reached five years of residence in France.

Born in New Zealand and of Australian nationality, Meafou (2.03 m, 145 kg) has always proclaimed his intention to defend the colors of France, the country which gave him his chance at the highest level.

He was one of the key players in Stade Toulouse's last season, concluded with a Top 14 victory against La Rochelle (29-26).