The French coaching staff have been eager to see this Tongan giant (he is just over six foot and weighs around 140 kg) in action, with his selection for France now just a matter of weeks. After five years of residency in France, Tatafu is eligible for his first cap during the November international window, ideally against Japan on November 9th at the Stade de France - followed by New Zealand and Argentina on consecutive weekends. A low-risk debut for someone who had already convinced the staff in June during a previous training camp in Marcoussis. On that occasion, Laurent Sempéré, lineout and specific tasks coach for France, confirmed that the player was "in line" with the expectations placed on him.
“What’s really important for us is to see him in the flesh, see him at work, see how he integrates, develops our game, and how he gets along with the other players,” explained Sempéré.
“It’s also important for him to understand the demands of the top level, to see what players with more experience in his position are doing. It’s time for him. We’re looking forward to him challenging others and becoming part of this group.”
Arriving in France at 17
Born in 2002 in Nuku'alofa, the capital on the island of Tongatapu, the largest in the Kingdom of Tonga, the robust Bayonne player turned 22 on October 13th of this year. Already he seems perfectly suited to be the future Les Bleus tighthead prop.
Originally from the island of Eua, one of the many islands in the Tongan archipelago, Tatafu began his rugby training at the island's college before continuing his studies at Apifo'ou College on the main island of Tongatapu. At the age of 17, thanks to his uncle Toma Taufa, who was then a tighthead for Aviron Bayonnais and is now at Bordeaux with, somewhat confusingly, his cousin of the same name - the other Tevita plays at number eight - he received an opportunity to move to the Basque Country.
Settled in Bayonne since November 2019, he is now designated a 'JIFF' (French-trained player) and endowed with exceptional potential. Originally a loosehead, he switched to the right under the guidance of his coach at the time and has since made the position his own (59 games played, 37 starts as of October 13th). He is expected to stay there as he has committed to Aviron Bayonnais until 2026.
Atonio comparisons
Originally set to participate in France's tour of South America in July, he had to withdraw due to a regulation issue. A few days short of being eligible, he couldn’t yet play for France. But it was only a matter of time.
“Tevita took a big step forward last season,” explained his manager at Aviron, Grégory Patat. “He has all the qualities for modern rugby. He’s explosive with the ball, dominant, brings intensity to every collision, and his opponents suffer. He’s a very important asset for our team. And let’s not forget his young age. To have that potential and game time at his age is a great sign for the future.”
Very quickly, comparisons were drawn with Uini Atonio, of whom he appears to be the logical successor. On a personal level, the players are similar. Both are jokers, but quiet, generous, and competitive on the field. Tatafu's French is still hesitant, but he understands it perfectly.
The iconic La Rochelle prop (34 years old, 62 caps) is realistically more towards the end of his international career than the beginning.
Realising a dream
While his retirement is inevitably on the minds of many, the void Atonio will leave behind has quickly led the French staff to consider replacement options. In this regard, William Servat, the national forwards coach,, closely follows Tatafu’s development, just as he keeps an eye on Stade Français' tighthead prop Georges-Henri Colombe (26 years old, 4 caps), who impressed during the last Guinness Men's Six Nations.
With Demba Bamba (26 years old, 29 caps), Dorian Aldegheri (31 years old, 19 caps), Thomas Laclayat (27 years old, 2 caps), and Sipili Falatea (27 years old, 14 caps), the depth in the position is reassuring for the years to come.
A wrecking ball who is Impressive in the scrum, a good ball fetcher, powerful in collisions, Tatafu "more than meets the specific expectations for the position: scrum, lineout, and tackling. He’s still missing some mobility for the top level," said his coach Grégory Patat just a few months ago. “He’s a radiant, sunny guy. He could have been a Tongan international, but he doesn’t want that. He wants to be a French international. He has that clear goal and is working hard to achieve it.”
