A significant shift is on the horizon for Brian Alainu’uese, as the Samoan international second row forward prepares to join L’Aviron Bayonnais for the next two seasons. The declaration, made this Tuesday, signals a new chapter for the experienced player after six years with Toulon. Bayonne’s management expressed their enthusiasm, stating, Habile ballon in hand and formidable in the carries, he will strengthen our pack for two years
.
Born in New zealand 31 years ago, Alainu’uese began his professional career with Waikato before moving to the Chiefs. He then transitioned to the Northern hemisphere in 2016, joining Glasgow where he played for two seasons. A move to Toulon followed in October 2018, initially on a one-year deal with an option for another, which was quickly extended through 2021. He consistently renewed his contract, with the most recent extending until june 2026. Throughout his time with the Rugby Club Toulonnais (RCT), Alainu’uese has proven to be a valuable asset, securing a Challenge Cup victory in 2023 and reaching the finals in both 2020 and 2022. To date, he has participated in 177 matches for the Rouge et Noir, starting in 123 of those games, and has scored 17 tries. This season alone, he’s featured in 16 matches, starting in half of them, and has added six tries to his tally.
Competition for Brian Alainu’uese’s Signature
Despite interest from other Top 14 teams, notably Lyon (LOU), Alainu’uese ultimately chose Bayonne, as reported by L’Equipe. The Samoan international, with 9 caps to his name and a recent appearance at the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France, will compete for a starting position alongside Arthur Iturria, Lucas Paulos, Ewan Johnson, and the recently signed Killian Geraci, who also committed to a two-year deal. fans will have a preview of this potential dynamic on April 25th when RCT faces Aviron in a Top 14 match. both teams are currently vying for a playoff spot, with Toulon holding a five-point lead over Bayonne in the 9th position.
Did you know? Second row forwards are crucial to a rugby team’s set-piece play, providing power in scrums and lineouts.
I’ve found that a player’s ability to adapt to a new team surroundings is frequently enough underestimated. Alainu’uese’s experience navigating diffrent leagues and cultures will undoubtedly be an asset to Bayonne. His versatility and proven track record suggest he’ll quickly integrate into the team’s structure. The competition for places in the second row is fierce, but his skillset should allow him to make a significant contribution.
Here’s a speedy comparison of Alainu’uese’s recent stats:
| Season | Matches Played | Starts | Tries Scored |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-2024 (to date) | 16 | 8 | 6 |
| 2022-2023 | 25 | 18 | 3 |
Pro tip: Keep an eye on Alainu’uese’s performance in the upcoming match against his former team, Toulon. It will be a good indicator of how quickly he’s adapting to his new surroundings.
What impact do you think Alainu’uese will have on
