From the English third division to the French XV: the unique journey of Aaron Grandidier-Nkanang, new UFO of Fabien Galthié

Fabien Galthié makes no secret of it. His pleasure as a gourmet is to unearth what he calls “UFOs”. These players who have gone under the radar and who, when given the chance, reveal themselves at the highest level, amaze with their talent. The latest to have joined the French galaxy is Aaron Grandidier-Nkanang, 26 years old and two first selections in July (against Australia then Japan). For a double scored against the Wallabies and disarmingly natural tears of joy in front of the cameras at the end of this success.

At that moment, the winger from Section Paloise obviously thought about his career. Unlikely. Amazing. Born in Bromley, south-east of London, to an English father of Nigerian origin and a French mother (from a family from La Roche-sur-Yon, in Vendée), he took up rugby at the age of 11 “out of obligation”, he often repeats. He preferred basketball. But at St Olave's Grammar School in London, the orange ball is not allowed. Place…