Union Bordeaux-Bègles is going through a crucial period with many decisions to make concerning several of its key players. Among the most notable news are the signing of Tevita Tatafu, the negotiations around Yoram Moefana, as well as the uncertainty hovering over the future of Matthieu Jalibert.
Tevita Tatafu, a strategic reinforcement for the UBB
Right pillar Tevita Tatafu, from Aviron Bayonnais, has signed with UBB for a period of four years. The 21-year-old, measuring 1.83m and 150kg, was under contract with Bayonne until 2026, but activated an exit clause worth 500,000 euros to join the Bordeaux side. He benefits from the status of Jiff (Player from the French training sector), which makes him a recruit of choice for the UBB. This arrival strengthens the forward squad, particularly on the right axis of the scrum, where Tatafu will complement Ben Tameifuna, whose contract ends in 2025, and Sipili Falatea.
Manager Yannick Bru, who previously worked with Tatafu during his time at Bayonne, played a key role in this signing. Tevita Tatafu also joins her uncle, Toma Taufa, present in Bordeaux since January 2024, which probably weighed in her decision.
Matthieu Jalibert, a future to clarify?
The case of Matthieu Jalibert is also at the center of the UBB’s concerns. At the end of his contract in June 2025, the international fly-half, aged 25, has still not extended despite a salary increase offer bringing his salary to nearly 850,000 euros per year. This proposal, made at the end of last season, has now expired. However, Jalibert, who seems in favor of an extension, remains in discussions with President Laurent Martiwith the two men planning to meet in October to discuss a possible new offer.
Jalibert’s options outside of Bordeaux are narrowing. Long interested, Stade Français recruited Louis Carbonel, while Toulon, penalized by a salary cap violation, no longer wishes to make major expenditures. Communication between Jalibert and the UBB remains active, and it is therefore not excluded that the player continues his adventure in Gironde.
Yoram Moefana, close to an extension
Yoram Moefana, another key element of UBB, is also at the end of his contract in 2025. The 24-year-old international center, who has 27 caps, expressed his desire to stay in Bordeaux at the end of last season. However, Stade Toulousain, looking for a successor for Pita Ahki, courted Moefana for a long time, creating some uncertainty about his future.
Despite interest from Toulouse, Moefana now appears closer to extending his contract with UBB. Discussions have recently resumed and are on track, which should reassure Bordeaux supporters. Moefana, who plays alongside his uncle Sipili Falatea in Bordeaux, ultimately seems to favor continuity with his current club. Communication should take place quickly to clarify this situation.
The case of Japanese third row Tevita Tatafu remains unresolved but…
Finally, UBB must face uncertainty regarding third row Tevita Tatafu (not to be confused with the recently recruited pillar), Japanese international who arrived in Bordeaux in 2023. After a remarkable season, where he established himself as one of the best number 8 in the Top 14, Tatafu is considering a return to Japan for personal reasons. His possible departure would represent a significant loss for the UBB, which may have to turn to other options to strengthen its pack.
Laurent Marti is therefore active on the transfer market to anticipate these possible departures. The second row Posolo Tuilagi, who recently extended with Perpignan, and international hooker Gaëtan Barlot of Castres are among the potential targets.
In short, UBB strives to secure its talents while preparing for the future with strategic recruitment, despite several uncertainties. A desire to extend its best elements and recruit great prospects or international level players clearly shows the club’s desire to establish itself permanently at the top of French rugby and lift the coveted Brennus shield.
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