FRENCH CONNECTION
England rugby legend proudly watches nephew make international debut in Six Nations… for France
France's new teenage star has also followed in his famous father's footsteps at club level
ENGLAND legend Manu Tuilagi proudly watched on as his nephew Posolo made his France debut last night.
Manu, 32, has earned 59 England caps and has also featured for the British & Irish Lions.
4
4
Born in Samoa, Manu moved to England alongside his siblings as a kid.
Brothers Freddie, Henry, Alesana, Anitelea and Sanele Vavae all played professionally and represented Samoa.
Manu decided to play for England, however, and now the amazing rugby family have added another nation to their playing portfolio.
Henry's son Posolo, 19, was born in Samoa but moved to England as a baby and then France aged three, when his father played for Perpignan.
After 12 years within USAP's academy, Posolo burst into Perpignan's first team in 2022 and is now a regular.
Having played for France's youth teams, last night the lock made his senior debut, coming on during the second half of his side's Six Nations opener against Ireland.
In the crowd was uncle Manu, who smiled proudly as his nephew entered the game.
Unfortunately for Posolo, his side slipped to a damaging 38-17 defeat.
Most read in Rugby Union
FREE BETS - BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
Having come into the match as second-favourites for the tournament, only behind Ireland, France saw their chances already dented by a rampant Irish performance.
After the game, Ireland coach Andy Farrell said: "It's something we've continued to work hard on, making sure that we don't get too ahead of ourselves or too down on ourselves.
"We were excellent in that regard, albeit [there was] a 10-minute period before half-time when there was a knock-on effect of a couple of penalties we gave away.
"We lost our way a little bit at the start of the second half, but all in all I thought we were really good.
"The players spoke about it after the game - the composure was great and we were able to get on to the next moment. We didn't become too fazed."
Ireland will next be in action against Italy in Dublin next week, while France will look to bounce back as they travel to Murrayfield.
4
All Six Nations 2024 fixtures - dates, kick-off times and TV channels
4