Antoine Tichit

Few players know the rhythms of the French Top 14 better than Antoine Tichit. Born on 13 June 1989, the veteran flanker has been a fixture in the forward pack at Castres Olympique, a club renowned for its uncompromising, defensively-minded style. Tichit embodies that identity: an industrious back-rower whose game is built on tackling, work rate and disruption at the breakdown. Across a long career at the top level of French club rugby, he has been valued less for headlines than for the consistent, physical graft that holds a defensive structure together. As one of the more experienced heads in the squad, he offers leadership and reliability, the sort of forward a coach trusts to carry out the hard, repetitive work that wins matches. His longevity in such a demanding league is a testament to his durability and professionalism.