By Jon Geddes

RANDWICK forward Christian Poidevin is on America’s most wanted list.

The impressive backrower, whose dad Simon is a Wallaby and Galloping Greens legend, has been approached by US rugby officials about making himself available for the Eagles national team.

Poidevin, who returns to the Randwick team for Saturday’s game against Eastwood at Coogee, has spent four seasons playing in the MLR in the States and is eligible for selection as he has dual citizenship because his mother Robin Fahlstrom was born in Chicago.

“They asked if I would be interested, I don’t know if I would necessarily be picked,” Poidevin told Rugby News.

“It means I would potentially be able to play in a World Cup in Australia and then if I am still playing at 33 I’d be able to play a World Cup in the US.

“I’d love to play in that Eagles jersey in Australia, it would be amazing.”

The 25-year-old has a lot to weigh up as he is also keen to explore what opportunities there may be for him in Australia.

“With the player market at the moment, it is a very tough position to be in because the Rebels have folded so there is a surplus of players,” Poidevin said.

“But it’s always a dream to come back and play Super Rugby.”

Besides chasing his second successive grand final win with Randwick, the remaining games of the Shute Shield also give Poidevin the opportunity to press his claims with Super Rugby franchises.

“You just have to perform as well as you can each game and who knows from there,” he said.

Poidevin will look to make the big decision about his future by the time the US start their World Cup qualifying games next year.

Whatever he decides, Poidevin appreciates he is a very fortunate position.                            

ADDING GREEN ENERGY         

AND his return is a massive boost for Randwick as they chase back to back titles.

“He was excellent for us last year, we are lucky to have him back,” said Wicks coach Stephen Hoiles.

“I had him off the bench in last year’s final series and his defensive work and ability to get turnovers – whether it be through getting on the ball or holding the ball carrier up – was really impactful for us.”

Poidevin proved a “super sub” in the grand final win over Northern Suburbs, grabbing half a dozen turnovers in the final 30 minutes which proved crucial to the result.

While he came off the bench, Poidevin arguably produced the man of the match performance.

“I am very happy with the way I was able to help out,” the self-effacing Poidevin said.

THE FAMILY TRADITION

POIDEVIN is proud to again pull on the famous Randwick jumper, which Simon wore with such distinction, after his San Diego Legion side was eliminated in their MLR conference semi-final.

“Dad played for the jersey so I’ve fallen into that love as well,” he said.

“I couldn’t wear any other jersey. It’s where I’ve made my closest mates.

“To come back last year and be able to win it (the grand final) meant everything to me. This is my community where I have grown up so it is a very special place for me to play.”

GALLOPING DOWN THE STRAIGHT

RANDWICK again stamped themselves as the team to beat following their big 70-16 win over Souths at Forshaw Rugby Park last Saturday.

The defending premiers are coming home with a wet sail at the business end of the season.

The Galloping Greens now sit ominously in third spot on 59 points, four behind competition leaders Easts and two less than Warringah.

“The four games we have lost this year we weren’t that far off – and I think the for and against probably shows that,” Hoiles said. 

“We didn’t necessarily play all that well or all that poorly and we were always in the games.

“I think we learnt a lot from them and we have slowly got a little bit more comfortable with each other.”