Virimi Vakatawa
 | |||
| Date of birth | 1 May 1992 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Place of birth | Fiji | ||
| Height | 1.86 m (6 ft 1 in) | ||
| Weight | 92 kg (203 lb) | ||
| Rugby union career | |||
| Playing career | |||
| Position | Wing, centre | ||
| Professional / senior clubs | |||
| Years | Club / team | Caps | (points) |
| 2011–2013 | Racing Métro 92 | 44 | (45)9t |
| correct as of 13 May 2013. | |||
| National team(s) | |||
| Years | Club / team | Caps | (points) |
| 2016– | France | 8 | (25)5t |
| correct as of 26 November 2016. | |||
| Sevens national teams | |||
| Years | Club / team | Comps | |
| 2013– | France 7s | 82 (60t) | |
Virimi Vakatawa (born 1 May 1992) is a Fijian-born rugby union player who plays for the France national rugby 7s team. His position is wing and centre. He played for Racing Métro 92 in the Top 14 between 2011 and 2013.[1] He joined the French 7s team in 2014 and in January 2016, he was included in the French national team for the 2016 Six Nations Championship.
He began his career in Fiji playing for his school Nasinu Secondary School before getting recruited by France-based Fijian winger, Sireli Bobo and joining Racing Métro 92 in 2010. He was mentored by another former flying Fijian in Simon Raiwalui. He played his first game in the 2010–11 Heineken Cup where he scored his first try against Leinster.
International
In 2013, he became eligible to represent France. He was released from his contract and he joined the French sevens team. He became a star in rugby 7s for France
On 19 January 2016, Vakatawa was named in France's International Squad for the Six Nations Tournament by Guy Noves. He has been labelled as the French answer to All Black Sonny Bill Williams.[2] He made his debut against Italy scoring a try.
In October 2016, he was included again in the French 15's team even though he has yet to play for a Top 14 team. He played his first game on the wing against Samoa, scoring three tries. He played a week later against Australia scoring a try in their 23-25 loss. He partnered Noa Nakaitaci on the wings and was renamed alongside Noa in their final test of the year against New Zealand. He was also named in the French 7's team for the 2016 Dubai Sevens a week later.
References
- ↑ "Virimi Vakatawa Profile". Itsrugby.fr. Retrieved 13 May 2013.
- ↑ Gavin Mortimer (13 February 2016). "Virimi Vakatawa: France's new wing wonder". Irish Examiner. Retrieved 13 February 2016.