The 19-year-old 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.
Tuilagi replaces fellow lock Romain Taofifenua on the bench, the latter ruled out with sickness. Born in Samoa, the powerful teenager represented France at the U20s 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 Tigers.
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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.
France – 15 Thomas Ramos; 14 Damian Penaud, 13 Gael Fickou, 12 Jonathan Danty, 11 Yoram Moefana; 10 Matthieu Jalibert, 9 Maxime Lucu; 8 Gregory Alldritt (c), 7 Charles Ollivon, 6 Francois Cros; 5 Paul Willemse, 4 Paul Gabrillagues, 3 Uini Atonio, 2 Peato Mauvaka, 1 Cyril Baille.
Subs: 16 Julien Marchand, 17 Reda Wardi, 18 Dorian Aldegheri, 19 Cameron Woki, 20 Posolo Tuilagi, 21 Paul Boudehent, 22 Nolann Le Garrec, 23 Louis Bielle-Biarrey.
Photo: Grant Pitcher/Gallo Images/World Rugby