Mathieu Bastareaud now playing as a forward after debut for new team goes wrong amid shock over his weight

The Frenchman had an underwhelming debut for the American team with many people commenting on his weight

Former French international Mathieu Bastareaud made a stir after making his debut for Rugby United New York due to his size.

Th 31-year-old had a forgettable first match for the newly formed American side after losing to the New England Free Jacks 14-34.

Bastareaud's performance was criticised with much of the attention focusing on his apparent weight gain, which has reportedly seen him balloon to more than 20 stone.

The former Toulon captain was described as lacking in pace and struggling to make tackles and keep up with the run of play.

Having played the majority of his career at centre, Bastareaud has been named as No. 8 in Rugby United's next match against Austin Gilgronis on Saturday.

It's not often that a back can successfully migrate to the pack but it's thought the Frenchman's physique would be better suited in the back row than in the back line. He has played there once or twice before in France before moving to America.

Having made the move across the Atlantic to escape the "grind" of European rugby, Bastareaud will be hoping to make his mark in the MLR's third season which kicks off in a couple of weeks time.

Speaking to the Guardian, he said: "For me it is important to play in another country, just for learning other cultures, because maybe in France we are not open minded.

"I think a lot of people don't understand why I come here but I think in one season they will change their opinion."