Maixent Da Costa

Physical confrontation is the foundation of Maixent Da Costa's game, and the young flanker has made it his calling card at US Montauban. Born on 10 May 2005, Da Costa is a forward who thrives on the defensive side of the ball, throwing himself into tackles and competing hard at the breakdown. Operating primarily as a blindside flanker, he offers his side a high work rate and a willingness to do the punishing, unseen work that underpins a competitive back row. His performances have made him a useful part of Montauban's forward effort in the Pro D2, France's demanding second tier, where physicality and stamina are prerequisites. As a player still developing his craft, Da Costa's focus is on adding consistency and refinement to his raw industry, but his appetite for the contest is not in doubt. He shapes as a hard-nosed loose forward in the traditional French mould, valued for graft rather than glamour.