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Twitter users poke fun at Bastareaud's rumoured move
By Josh Raisey
Ahead of France centre Mathieu Bastareaud’s potential loan move to the United States after the World Cup, one question has been asked by many fans.
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Toulon President Mourad Boudjellal met with Rugby Union New York to discuss a six-month stint for Bastareaud in Major League Rugby after the showcase in Japan, and many have questioned how the robust centre will get on with the portion sizes in the States.
The 30-year-old had been rumoured to be making a move to Super Rugby’s Sharks after the World Cup, but some fans feel the lure of the USA’s cuisine may have been enough to entice the France international.
The USA is renowned for being slightly more liberal with its portion sizes and fast food, and weighing in at almost 19 stone, Bastareaud’s physique is perhaps not in keeping with a modern rugby player’s, let alone a back’s. Some are anticipating what shape the centre may be upon his return.
Supersized Bastareaud is the nonstop funtrain to pleasure town! He’s gonna have to get flown back to France in Cargo.
— Owain Glynd?r (@IgtIan) April 16, 2019
#GOOD Rumours that Bastareaud may go for a spell in the MLR. Can you imagine how big that fecker will get living on US size portions!
— Gaz (@bosher73) April 15, 2019
#good Bastareaud going to play in the MLR, that will do wonders for his physique. Super size Bastareaud!
— Ally Macfarlane (@Allymacfarlane8) April 15, 2019
https://twitter.com/RavWilding/status/1117838798518411264?s=20
https://twitter.com/mikeyrowe12/status/1117772055896895489?s=20
https://twitter.com/mckay1402/status/1117890270970941441?s=20
Imagine the size of him when he returns
— Tony Walker (@tonywalks_1965) April 15, 2019
Jaysus imagine facing off against a Bastareud with a belly full of burgers
— Michael McClintock (@irishbucsfan) April 15, 2019
On a more serious note, some think that this unprecedented move is a good thing for the player. Similar to southern hemisphere players making a move to Japan, the rugby played there may be less taxing than the Top 14 and Six Nations. Immediately after a gruelling World Cup, this may be just what the player needs to avoid burnout and fatigue. In the long run, it may be more beneficial for the longevity of Bastareaud’s career. Then again that is provided he keeps his diet in check.
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