France prop Wilfrid Hounkpatin makes nation switch with debut imminent

Montpellier tighthead prop Wilfrid Hounkpatin has switched his international allegiance to Senegal four years after he won his solitary cap for France.

The 33-year-old won his first and only cap for Les Bleus in 2021 against Australia in Melbourne, but now meets World Rugby’s criteria to switch allegiance, having been stood down from Test rugby for three years and having a family connection to his new team. The 130kg forward’s father was born in Senegal, allowing him to make the move.

With the Rugby Africa Cup taking place in Uganda in July, Hounkpatin will likely make his debut there, where he will bring a wealth of experience to the side, having over 100 Top 14 appearances for both Castres and Montpellier.

Hounkpatin’s move will also boost Senegal’s hopes of making the 2027 Rugby World Cup, with the winner of the Rugby Africa Cup qualifying directly for the showcase in Australia, while the runner-up will have another chance to qualify through the repechage tournament.

 

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A post shared by Wilfrid Hounkpatin (@wilfridhounkpatin)

After his switch was announced, Hounkpatin took to social media to share this message: “It is with immense pride that I join the Senegalese rugby team.

“It is important to give meaning to my future, to be part of a development project in the land of the lion. This land where my father was born.”

A statement from Senegal Rugby reads: “The Senegalese Rugby Federation (FSR) is proud to announce the inclusion of Wilfrid Hounkpatin in the Senegalese XV. Currently a tighthead prop for Montpellier Hérault Rugby in the Top 14, Wilfrid joins the Senegalese national team as the team prepares for the Rugby Africa Cup, scheduled for July 2025 in Uganda.

“A former French international, Wilfrid Hounkpatin can now play for Senegal thanks to the World Rugby reform, which came into effect on January 1, 2022. This rule allows a player to change their sporting nationality if they meet the following requirements: has not been selected by their former national team for three years and has a direct family connection to the country they wish to represent (they themselves, a parent, or a grandparent born in that country).

“Thanks to this reform, Wilfrid, whose father was born in Senegal, has chosen to join the XV de la Teranga, bringing with him his experience at the highest level.

“Thus, on behalf of the Senegalese Rugby Federation, the president of the FSR welcomes Wilfrid Hounkpatin and reiterates to his other dual-national and international compatriots that the doors of the national teams remain open to them, allowing them to make the best possible contribution to the influence and performance of Senegalese rugby.”