Temo Matiu: From Basketball Courts to the French Rugby Crunch

Paris – A debut on the biggest stage. That’s the opportunity awaiting Temo Matiu this Saturday when he’s set to feature for France against England in the decisive match of the Six Nations Championship. The 24-year-old flanker, called up following an injury to Anthony Jelonch, is poised to make his international rugby debut in what promises to be a fiercely contested encounter at the Stade de France.

“Temo Matiu is a blend of speed, power, and skill, he will be very complementary with François (Cros) and Charles (Ollivon) and our forwards,” France head coach Fabien Galthié said when announcing his squad. Matiu’s inclusion isn’t just a testament to his own burgeoning talent, but also a continuation of a family legacy within French rugby.

Son of a Former International

Temo Matiu isn’t the first in his family to wear the blue of France. His father, Legi Matiu, earned two caps for Les Bleus in 2000. Legi’s debut came on February 5th against Wales, a 36-3 victory for France, and he followed that up with an appearance against England two weeks later. Both appearances were as a second row, alongside Olivier Brouzet. While his international career was brief, Legi Matiu enjoyed a successful club career, playing for Biarritz, Grenoble, and Toulon, winning a French Championship title with Biarritz in 2002.

A Family’s Resilience: Loss and Legacy

The story behind Legi Matiu’s debut is particularly poignant. Fabien Galthié, who played alongside Legi in that 2000 match against Wales, recalled a tough week for the Matiu family. “I want to talk about the historical nod for Temo. His father, Legi Matiu, made his debut for France in 2000, in a match in Wales that I played. It was a very difficult week for his family, and Legi decided to play that match. We built the performance around him, it remains a special moment and a lovely nod to his family,” Galthié said.

The difficult week Galthié referenced stemmed from the tragic loss of the family’s eldest daughter, Samantha, before Legi’s first international appearance. “Between Samantha, my eldest, and Temo, we had a daughter who passed away,” Legi Matiu recounted to Midi Olympique. “I buried her on Sunday and on Monday, I went to Marcoussis to prepare for my first selection. I had to play for her. Bernard Laporte was the coach at the time, he trusted me and I decided to go.”

Temo Matiu was born the following year, on July 20, 2021, carrying forward a legacy forged in both triumph, and tragedy.

From Basketball Dreams to Rugby Realities

While rugby is now central to Temo Matiu’s life, his athletic journey began on the basketball court. Initially a point guard and then a wing, he even reached the regional hope pole in Mont-de-Marsan. Though, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted his basketball development. “When Temo was 6 years old, we put his sister into basketball. He wanted to imitate her, but he also wanted to continue playing rugby, so until he was 12 or 13 years old, he played both sports,” his father explained. The lack of training opportunities during the pandemic ultimately led him back to rugby, where his potential quickly became apparent.

Matiu made his professional debut with Biarritz Olympique in November 2022, facing Stade Aurillacois. His progression has been steady, and now, just over two years later, he finds himself on the cusp of representing France in a crucial Six Nations showdown.

The call-up comes after flanker Oscar Jegou received a four-match suspension for an eye-gouging incident during the match against Scotland, and with Anthony Jelonch sustaining a hamstring injury in training. This has prompted a reshuffling of the French back row, with Charles Ollivon moving to number eight and Matiu taking Jegou’s place at openside.

Galthié’s decision to select Matiu highlights the depth and versatility within the French squad. The coach clearly sees Matiu as a complementary force alongside François Cros and Charles Ollivon, bringing a unique blend of pace, power, and finesse to the back row. The selection also underscores the importance of adaptability in the modern game, with players increasingly expected to be able to cover multiple positions.

This weekend’s match against England is a title decider, with both teams vying for the Six Nations crown. For France, it’s an opportunity to secure back-to-back titles for the first time since 2007. The pressure will be immense, but Temo Matiu appears ready to embrace the challenge, carrying with him not only his own ambitions but also the weight of his family’s history.

The match is scheduled for Saturday, with kickoff at 8:05 PM local time (6:05 PM UTC). Fans can follow the action live on various sports networks and streaming platforms. The stakes are high, and the atmosphere at the Stade de France is sure to be electric as Temo Matiu prepares to make his highly anticipated debut.

What’s next: France will look to secure the Six Nations title against England this Saturday. Following the match, the focus will shift to preparations for upcoming international fixtures and potential summer tours.

What are your thoughts on Temo Matiu’s debut? Share your predictions and comments below!