Overview of the USAP troops, line by line, with a focus on the recruits, a few days before the first home match against Biarritz Olympique (kick off Saturday 11 September 2021 at 3 p.m.).
The first line
Even before the start of the season, the USAP front row was hit with injuries: Siua Halanukonuka (thigh tear), Vakhtang Jintcharadze (shoulder operation) and Davit Kubriashvili (biceps operation). Then the fate fell on the hip of Seilala Lam who could not start the season. Reinforcement was needed: British right pillar Conor Carey (Non JIFF, 29, 1.83m, 128kg) and Australian hooker Hugh Roach (Non JIFF, 28, 1.78m, 108kg) signed as medical jokers. In addition, USAP has offered the services of left pillars Sami Mavinga (JIFF, 28, 1.81 m, 116 kg) from Stade Français, and Georgian international Giorgi Tetrashvili (JIFF, 28, 1.77 m, 114 kg, 10 caps), hooker Mike Tadjer (JIFF, 32, 1.83 m, 118 kg) who played in Pro D2 in Montauban and the experienced right pillar in Top 14 and on the European scene Arthur Joly (JIFF, 33, 1.89m, 123kg).
Still in office: Sacha Lotrian, Killian Taofifenua, Lucas Velarte, Akato Fakatika.
For the future : Victor Montgaillard
The second line
Two newcomers with different skills and antipodic origins have fleshed out the second-line squad at USAP this season. Have their card to play: Fijian international Tevita Cavubati (Non JIFF, 33, 2m, 110kg, 30 caps) and Moldovan Andreï Mahu (Non JIFF, 30, 2.05m, 120kg, 25 caps ).
Still in office: Shahn Eru, Piula Fa’asalele, Tristan Labouteley, Nafitalai Ma’afu.
For the future : Guillaume Marin.
The third line
A Puma and a Pau. It is respectively with the young international U20 Joaquin Oviedo (Non JIFF, 20 years old, 1.91 m, 113 kg) and Matthieu Ugena at the sawtooth career (JIFF, 26 years old, 1.86 m, 110 kg) that the cards are a bit reshuffled.
Still in office: Lucas Bachelier, Alan Brazo, Damien Chouly, Karl Chateau and Genesis Mamea Lemalu.
The hinge
The caliber in the post of scrum half this season at USAP is international with the Argentinian Martín Landajo (Non JIFF, 33 years old, 1.75 m, 82 kg, 84 caps), reigning English champion with the Harlequins. It should not take long to be associated with Tristan Tedder (JIFF, 25 years old, 1.80 m, 80 kg) the former Toulousain who is gradually taking his marks in Patrick Arlettaz’s game plan.
Still in office: Sadek Deghmache, Tom Ecochard, Matteo Rodor, Patricio Fernández.
The pair of centers
A novelty and not the least. Under the impetus of the new three-quarter coach, David Marty, a rugby union player will join the USAP. For fans of the genre, the name is familiar. Brayden Wiliame (Non JIFF, 29 years old, 1.88m, 100kg) was part of the Catalan Dragons squad from 2016 to 2019 before joining other Dragons, those of St George, in NRL a competition which at the present time continues its course.
Still in office: Mathieu Acebes, Jerónimo de la Fuente, Alivereti Duguivalu, Ethan Randle, Afusipa Taumoepeau, Emmanuel Vaitulukina.
The rear triangle
For this 2021-2022 recruitment, life has been more beautiful on the wings. Argentina international Bautista Delguy (Non JIFF, 24, 1.82m, 83kg, 17 caps) as finisher and Fijian Edward Sawailau (JIFF, 25, 1.82m, 102kg) from Valence Romans are committed with blood and gold.
Still in office: Lucas Dubois, Jean-Bernard Pujol, George Tilsley, Melvyn Jaminet and Julien Farnoux.
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