FRANCE RUGBY. You will have read it here first: Sofiane Guitoune will play the 2023 World Cup!

10 selections but 3 World Cups played, the prophecy is in motion.

— Boucherie Ovalie (@BoucherieOvalie) January 1, 2023

To believe that this boy is magnetized – even more than the others – by the Worlds. If we are used to saying that it is customary to show oneself in the best light during the years of the World Cup, one man takes the sayings more literally than anyone: Sofiane Guitoune. Take a look: at 33 years old, the 3/4 center of Stade Toulousain has only 9 small selections, and yet has already taken part in 2 Worlds. Better, who tells you that he will not participate in a 3rd next September, in France? The hierarchy is already clearly established, Galthié does not usually select boys over their thirties and Guitoune has not been called up in Blue for more than 3 years, you say? Yes, but the man with the perfect lock is not like the others, we tell you!

TOP 14. Under the elixir of youth, Sofiane Guitoune continues to impress in Toulouse

“So” is this guy used to long absences in the France team before always knocking on the door during the Worlds years. Don’t forget that in 2015, after a great season with the UBB, Guitoune was called up somewhat to everyone’s surprise to go and compete in England. Despite only one small appearance against Romania, the original Vierzonnais still finds a way to plant a double. Irresistible Guitoune. However, this is nothing compared to his return with fanfare on the edge of the 2019 World Cup. Buried by many, often injured and confined to a winger position which no longer necessarily suits him, the former Bordeaux player is repositioned at the center by Ugo Mola at the start of the 2018/2019 financial year. And there is the revelation: 32 games played, 16 tries scored and actions all more improbable than the others which succeed each time. Guitoune walks on water and clearly, a little lost at the time, the French team cannot do without him. After 4 years of absence in selection, Guitoune takes off towards Japan. He did it !

Champions Cup – Sofiane Guitoune breaks through, puts on her shorts and serves Dupont on a plate! [VIDÉO]

What about 2023? Will Guitoune again achieve the feat of returning from the devil vauvert to find the Blues, he who has not worn this jersey since September 2019 and who certainly never saw himself seeing him again since Fabien Galthié took control of the XV of France? After two serious injuries in the last two seasons, it is in any case clear that the father of the Toulouse back line has regained all his feelings. Since the start of the current fiscal year, he has also been a starter 12 times. And beyond his two marked tries, it is by his ability to reinvent himself that the man the champion of France 2019 stands out. Already because he is this season aligned mainly in number 12 to compensate for the recurring absences of Pita Ahki, he who had only known the position of 2nd center in the middle of the field, so far. Then because Guitoune has regained all his offensive pep, as evidenced by his position as the player who makes the most offloads in the Top 14 or his superb performance against Clermont last Sunday.

XV of France – Sofiane Guitoune at the World Cup? ”I simply miss the blue jersey!”

But not only: in 2022/2023, he is so far also the player who has made the most offensive tackles in our championship. Surprising from a solid player (1m86 for 97kg) and always clean in defense but who has never been known either for his ability to impact the opponent. Everything that today, Guitoune has clearly found the level to apply for the Blues. And between the multiple injuries at the post and his legendary opportunism, we would swear that the Toulousain will play for the France team in 2023, until taking part in the World Cup in 9 months. In any case, we start dreaming…

VIDEO. No, but have you seen this grotesque scene between Guitoune and Beheregaray?Carrying a 105kg hooker at arm’s length, you know how to do that?