Romain Taofifénua

Romain Taofifénua (born 14 September 1990) is a French rugby union player, playing as Lock for Toulon in the Top 14.[2]

Romain Taofifénua
Birth nameRomain Taofifénua
Date of birth (1990-09-14) 14 September 1990
Place of birthMont-de-Marsan, France
Height2.0 m (6 ft 6 1⁄2 in)
Weight133 kg (20 st 13 lb)[1]
Rugby union career
Position(s) Lock
Current team Toulonnais
Amateur team(s)
Years Team Apps (Points)
2005–2007
2007–2008
2008–2010		 Limoges
Clermont
Perpignan		 ()
Senior career
Years Team Apps (Points)
2010–2014
2014–		 Perpignan
Toulon		 82
136		 (40)
(60)
Correct as of 4 November 2017
National team(s)
Years Team Apps (Points)
2009–2010
2012–		 France U20
France		 4
22		 (5)
(10)
Correct as of 22 November 2020

Club career

Taofifénua's rugby career began in 2005, while playing for Limoges. He later moved to play for Clermont in the 2007–08 Top 14 season. However, Taofifénua failed to make any appearances for the senior side, and signed with USA Perpignan for the 2008–09 Top 14 season. Despite signing in 2008, he didn't receive his first appearance for the club until 20 August 2010, during the 2010–11 Top 14 season. In that season, he made 3 appearances for Perpignan. In the 2011–12 Top 14 season, he became a more consistent player in the team, making 23 starts in 28 appearances. Most notable, a 34–20 win against defending champions Toulouse. After the 2013–14 Top 14 season, where Perpignan were relegated, Taofifénua signed with Toulon, who were both European and Domestic champions. His first Toulon appearance came on 15 August 2014 against Bayonne, in a 29–15 victory.

International career

Romain has played in all age grade levels for France, having represented the U18's, U19's and U20's. It was when playing for the U20's in the 2009 Six Nations Under 20s Championship when he first caught the eye of Perpignan selectors. Haven performed well for Perpignan in 2010, he was selected for the 2010 IRB Junior World Championship, playing in 3 matches - against Ireland and Argentina twice. He was one of five try scorers in the 5th place play-off, whom was won by France 37–23.[3]

Taofifénua was selected for the French senior side for their 2012 tour to Argentina, and made his first appearance in an uncapped game for XV du Président against Serge Betsen's XV on 6 June 2012.[4] He made his first official test appearance a week later, coming of the bench for Yoann Maestri on the 74th minute.

Personal life

Taofifénua is the son of Willy Taofifénua who used to play for FC Grenoble, and the older brother of Sébastien Taofifénua, who also started his career with USA Perpignan.

References
  1. http://fr.usap.fr/joueur-pro/taofifenua-romain-22-148-151-127/
  2. "Romain Taofifénua Profile". Itsrugby.co.uk. Retrieved 5 November 2012.
  3. 2010 IRB Junior World Championship Results
  4. Les Bleus se baladent


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