THEO ATTISSOGBE

The latest French back-three sensation hopes to become an international mainstay

- TOM EVELEIGH

A WORLD CUP winner with the U20s in 2023, Théo Attissogbe has rapidly emerged as one of the most electrifying young talents in French rugby. From his humble beginnings in the heart of the Pyrenees to breaking into les Bleus’ senior team for the first time last summer, his rise to fame has been nothing short of meteoric. “It's a childhood dream,” he tells Rugby World. Now a mainstay in the Béarn region and a symbol of the country’s thriving youth development, Pau’s prodigy is definitely making waves.

“I never set out to become a professional player but I'm so proud of where I am today. As a kid, I was lucky enough to go to Toulouse games and Top 14 finals with my dad. The sport has always been my first love and those memories stayed with me. To now be playing professionally still feels surreal.”

Having racked up nearly 50 appearances for Pau, Attissogbe has become a household name in les Landes: a huge milestone at the age of 20. “It's crazy when you think about it. I grew up watching the Top 14 and I’ve pretty much always known French teams dominate Europe. When was the last time there was a Champions Cup final without a French club? It’s the best league in the world and it’s special to be a part of it.”