Fiji centre Josua Tuisova is set to make his debut for Racing 92 on Saturday against Bayonne after joining the club last summer.
Joshua Tuisova, the powerful Fijian rugby player known for his strong running and physical style of play, is expected to make his debut for Racing 92. This comes after a controversial incident where an injury delayed his first appearance for the club. Tuisova, who has a reputation for his hard-hitting performances on the field, has been a key figure in international rugby, especially with the Fijian national team.
The nature of the controversy surrounding his injury is tied to the expectations and pressure on high-profile players to deliver results. Despite these issues, fans and teammates are eager to see him in action for Racing 92, one of the top clubs in the French Top 14 league. Tuisova’s arrival at Racing 92 adds significant firepower to their backline, and his performance could play a crucial role in the team’s success this season. Keep an eye on his debut, as it’s sure to be an exciting moment for rugby enthusiasts.
The 30-year-old joined the Parisian outfit at the end of last season from Lyon, and was set to link up with his team after the World Cup.
However, the 113kg back picked up a knee injury against England in the quarter-final which has sidelined him until this weekend. The injury itself, which required surgery, was somewhat controversial.
The injury came as a result of a tackle by England flanker Tom Curry, which Racing labelled “a violent tackle without the arms” in a caustic statement shortly after.
The statement read: “During the England – Fiji match counting for the 3rd quarter-final of the 2023 Rugby World Cup, last Sunday October 15, the Fijian center of Racing 92 Josua Tuisova suffered a violent tackle without the arms of the English player No7 thus injuring his left knee.
The player will consult specialist opinions in the coming days to determine the duration of his unavailability.
“Racing 92 wishes Josua Tuisova a speedy recovery and shows him all its support during this period.”
The powerful centre is set to make his comeback on Saturday at the Stade Abbé-Deschamps after being named in the starting XV by coach Stuart Lancaster.
The centre will form a world-class partnership with France centre Gael Fickou in the midfield, with the Frenchman wearing the No13 jersey.
This is a partnership that fans would have wanted to see all season, but still has the potential to make an impact in the denouement of the Top 14 season. Racing currently sit in fourth place in the league with four rounds remaining of the regular season. That means Tuisova still has an opportunity to end his debut season in Paris on a high.
