Frankly, a month ago, no one would have announced that Yoram Moefana would become the first player born in the 2000s to wear the jersey of the XV of France.
He then made his debut in Top 14, with the UBB.
Barely enough time to line up five game sheets, including two as a starter, and to register four tries, and the Polynesian, born in Futuna, has been propelled among the (very) grown-ups.
Without transition.
A first selection last Saturday against Italy (the three-quarter center came into play in the 68th minute) and, already, a first start.
Not just anywhere.
At Twickenham to challenge the vice-champions of the English world in a rejuvenated and inexperienced team of France.
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Obviously, Moefana does not come from nowhere.
At the age of 13, he reached the metropolis with his uncle, Tapu Falatea, twelve years his senior, to try to realize his dream of becoming a professional rugby player.
Like his father before him, who came in the early 2000s, a pillar in Niort before seriously injuring himself when he joined Auch, in Top 16. Career ended…
In the suitcases of his uncle, also a pillar, he joined the Limoges rugby school then the Colomiers training center.
For a few matches played in Pro D2 from the age of 18.
Sufficient to be spotted by Stade Toulousain and the Bordeaux club.
That he chooses.
So, a season later, to start in Top 14.
At the end of October, he faced his uncle in the Top 14
In passing, he joined the French team under 20.
Wins the Six Nations Tournament at the start of the year.
Impresses with his physique - 1.83 m;
99 kg - and his ability to break through defenses.
By its speed, by taking the intervals, or by its robustness.
All in the service of an above average passing technique.
Raised the hard way by his uncle, who took out the broomstick when his nephew went out of the way, Yoram Moefana is also driven by a desire to succeed foolproof, a competitive mind.
Not immediately obvious, like most Polynesians, he is shy, almost introverted.
This does not prevent him from taking his responsibilities.
So on October 31.
UBB faces Agen, where his uncle is now playing.
Disregarding his moods, the young center takes an active part in the great Bordeaux success, 71 to 5. His own way of coming of age.
To take off for good.
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