Raphael Marchesin

Born on 19 November 2005, Raphael Marchesin is one of the younger forwards to come through the pathway at Top 14 club Aviron Bayonnais. The French back-rower operates primarily as a flanker, a role that suits his appetite for the contact areas and his willingness to compete for turnover ball at the breakdown. Marchesin's game is built around graft rather than flash: he tackles hard, works tirelessly across the field and looks to make himself available as a carrying option in the tight channels. As a developing player in a demanding French league, his focus has been on adding the physical conditioning and tactical awareness required to make the step up from age-grade rugby to the senior environment at Bayonne. Coaches value back-rowers who can secure quick ruck ball and slow opposition possession, and that is the niche Marchesin is working to make his own. With his birthdate marking him as a long-term project for the club, he represents the kind of homegrown talent Bayonne has sought to nurture. The coming seasons will determine how far his work rate and physical edge can carry him in the professional ranks.