ADVERTISEMENT
RugbyDump
REGISTER
LOGIN
ADVERTISEMENT
RugbyDump
Monday Jun 26, 2023

France lose out on potential star for Rugby World Cup 2023

Australian native turned Toulouse star Emmanuel Meafou has been ruled ineligible to represent France at this year’s Rugby World Cup.

ADVERTISEMENT

Based on reporting from reputable French publication Rugbyrama, the 6’8” and 145kg lock does not meet World Rugby’s five year residency rule.

His absence from the tournament is a significant blow for the French who will face New Zealand before a possible meeting with Ireland or South Africa.

Proving his quality over the past four seasons for Toulouse, the 24-year-old who remains eligible for Australia has an interesting decision to make.

Does he wait until next season to represent Les Bleus or could he switch allegiances back to where he grew up?

Speaking in May about his potential eligibility, French coach Fabien Galthie will no doubt be disappointed that the lock is unavailable.

‘We still hope to capture Emmanuel Meafou and make him selectable for preparation. The file has been put together, discussions with World Rugby have taken place, and the procedure has been launched. We are now awaiting the response.’ Galthie said.

ADVERTISEMENT

Meafou who is currently nursing a foot injury will become eligible for Les Bleus in December of this year.

Related Articles

  • 14 WEEKS AGO

    Top Kiwi referee shares horrendous abuse...

  • 14 WEEKS AGO

    Eddie Jones back to witty best in Wallabies...

  • 14 WEEKS AGO

    Fans are going wild for the new Munster supporters...



ADVERTISEMENT

Great Tries

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    South African schoolboy produces the greatest goosey in the sport

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible team try showcases thrills of the grassroots game

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    Highlights video shows just why Vakatawa’s return is so highly anticipated

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    Individual brilliance as player scores off his own kick off

  • 9 WEEKS AGO

    Match Report: Australia challenge the All Black HAKA in extraordinary test

View All

Big Hits & Dirty Play

  • 2 DAYS AGO

    Shocking record set to be broken at this year’s World Cup

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Tom Curry receives ban following red card tackle against Argentina

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Off the ball 'punches' being called out by fans following All Blacks vs Springbok match

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Scott Barrett's World Cup on the rocks following reckless shoulder charge

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Bizarre tackle school video divides viewers

View All

See It To Believe It

  • 2 DAYS AGO

    Shocking record set to be broken at this year’s World Cup

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible team try showcases thrills of the grassroots game

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Dane Coles stunned as he hears news of Steve Hansen joining the Wallabies

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Moment of madness leads to incredible Springbok score

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    Highlights video shows just why Vakatawa’s return is so highly anticipated

View All

Funnies

  • 3 DAYS AGO

    Irish players prove the work/life balance is possible even at a World Cup

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    Springbok head coach Jacques Nienaber offers ice cold response at the press conference

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    Stone Cole’d: Dan Cole channels his inner Steve Austin in brilliant behind the scenes action

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Chaos ensues as off-field substitute is caught up in try scoring opportunity

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Springboks set to sing additional song post national anthem in future test matches

View All

Amateur

  • 38 WEEKS AGO

    You Won’t See Many Better Than This Silky-Smooth Try From Llandovery RFC

  • 38 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes As Caldy RFC Hand Ealing First Championship Defeat Of The Season

  • 61 WEEKS AGO

    Dubious Score Decides Result Of Rugby's Biggest Schools Fixture

  • 61 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes At School Boys Rugby Match

  • 61 WEEKS AGO

    The Next Dominant Backrow?

View All

Player Features

  • 2 HOURS AGO

    Springbok players pay tribute to incredible fans that support them around the world

  • 1 DAY AGO

    Springbok’s reign as world champions in peril as Dupont returns

  • 2 DAYS AGO

    Jersey Reds player evicted from own home following club collapse

  • 3 DAYS AGO

    Irish players prove the work/life balance is possible even at a World Cup

  • 3 DAYS AGO

    Watch Namibian wingers display incredible speed against Uruguay

View All