Like Uini Atonio, Romain Taofifenua announced his international retirement after the World Cup following the elimination in the quarter-finals against South Africa (28-29). Like the right pillar (33 years old, 47 caps), the second row (33/49) finally reversed his decision. “What is certain is that I played my last World Cup. But after the brutal end that we experienced and with a little perspective, it’s hard to say stop, confided the Lyonnais (who will join Racing at the end of the season) in the columns of Le Progrès. I have spoken a lot recently with William Servat (the forwards coach). So we’ll see. If the XV of France needs me, I will be there…”
Coach Fabien Galthié and his staff plan to meet in December to discuss in particular the selection for the Six Nations Tournament, which will begin on February 2 in Marseille against Ireland. Asked last Friday about Atonio’s return, the coach declared: “We cannot yet look at the selection process. You heard that Uini was interested in going back with us. He feels in good shape. We haven’t met yet, we will work on the selection in December. We will choose at that time. We will take the best straight pillars, so Uini Atonio is a candidate. » It now remains to be seen whether the same logic can be applied to Romain Taofifenua in the second row.
