Signed from Super Rugby seven seasons ago, the powerful 34-year-old Tongan back quickly established himself as a mainstay of the Clermont game through his power, his consistency and his impact in attack. His efforts often set the tempo of the Yellow and Blues’ wins, in the style of a battering ram.

Troubled for a long time by physical problems, Moala is living out his final months in the yellow and blue shirt. He suffered a ruptured biceps in a pre-season match at the start of the campaign, requiring surgery and forcing him to miss the opening weeks.

According to La Montagne, the Clermont sporting department will not offer Moala a new contract when his current deal runs out next summer, opening the door to a departure at the end of the season.

No offer of a contract extension

An outcome that fits into a wider rebuilding process at Clermont, where several other senior players are also coming to the end of their contracts. The club must now prepare for life after Moala, balancing the renewal of its squad with the integration of young talent capable of extending (or restoring) the team’s competitiveness in Top 14 and in the European Cup.

The announcement nonetheless marks the end of an era for the club and for Clermont supporters, who have watched Moala become a familiar and respected figure in French rugby since his arrival. Indeed, one of the best centres in the league.