After having obtained the arrival of Barlot and the agreement of Tatafu, the UBB should soon register new reinforcements for its pack. Bastien Chalureau is expected while recruiters look across the Channel to carry out their quest for a number 8.
It is an understatement to say that the UBB is seeking to densify and renew its pack at the start of the season: in recent weeks, the Gironde club has lined up the arrivals of Castres hooker Gaëtan Barlot, 9 selections under the clock, and the left pillar dacquois Louis Marywhile waiting to finalize the thorny file of Bayonne right pillar and future French international Tevita Tatafu.
Gironde recruiters are continuing their recruitment campaign at the front 8 and should soon record new commitments. To strengthen his cage, the leader recently approached Bastien Chalureau (32 years old, 7 caps), who is coming to the end of his commitment with Montpellier. Contacts between the UBB and the international second line are today at an advanced stage.
Who will be Tatafu’s successor in 8?
At the same time, the UBB launched a “casting” to succeed Tevita Tatafu, its current number 8, whose future will be written in Japan. Several CVs of experienced players are being studied: if the name of the Englishman from Bath Alfie Barbeary (24 years old, 2 caps) has been circulated, the hottest leads lead to the South African Sale Sharks Dan Du Preez (29 years, 6 caps) and that of Northampton Juarno Augustus (26 years).
If a fly-half (to replace Mateo Garcia) and a scrum-half (Paul Abadie and Yann Lesgourgues are at the end of their contract) should be added to the list of recruits, the priorities are indeed ahead for the Girondin decision-makers.
