This is one of the saga of the French transfer market of this year 2024. Will come to France, will not come? What is certain is that Patrick Tuifua is spoiled for choice.
Because if the 19-year-old third row had to withdraw from the U20 World Cup following a knee injury contracted during preparation in Marcoussis, everyone has already been able to get an idea of the young man’s immense qualities.
6 NATIONS TOURNAMENT. All Blacks, Canal Plus… Patrick Tuifua, the UFO of the French U20s
A potential that many clubs would like to pamper, in order to make a finished product of a very high level, certainly. Including the RCT, which we know has been very interested in the case for months, and which would seem to have a head start on the rest of the cavalry, according to Var-Matin.
In the South-East, the presence of a good part of Patrick Tuifua’s family is an open secret for those close to the oval ball. Thus, Bernard Lemaitre, for the regional daily, said this Sunday: “Patrick Tuifua is an exceptional player. (…) One of the advantages for Toulon in this matter is Tuifua’s family ties in the region. Her sister already works in the south, her mother is in Marseilleand his little brother is in the youth ranks of the Toulon club.“
Before recalling that the RCT has already received his entire family in Toulon twice, since last autumn. And even if we know Tuifua dreams of playing in Super Rugby and is torn between the blue jersey and that of the All Blacks, the family roots could well weigh in the balance and facilitate the arrival of the New Caledonian on the Rade.
RUGBY. 40,000km in the middle of the U20 6 Nations Tournament: this is the life of Patrick Tuifua
Still a player for the Hawke’s Bay Magpies, in the New Zealand provincial championship, until 2025, the U20 international could well make his choice soon. Especially since he has not been used by the Hurricanes in Super Rugby this season, in a position where competition is fierce (Lakai, Shields, Kirifi, Iose, Flanders, etc.). With Ardie Savea returning to Wellington next season, it may be time for Tuifua to sign in mainland France, in order to experience the elite and continue his progression.
If his recent knee injury delays the discussions a little, it shouldn’t take too long…
