“We’re so lucky“. That is what Pierre Mignoni was saying to Figaro last February on the subject of Ma’a Nonu. At the time, RCT had just announced his return to the squad as a medical joker. At 42… “He is an exceptional player, an enormous leader, who brings a huge amount of experience and makes a lot of people dream. Above all he is very humble. It’s a brilliant signing“, we’re so lucky“, the Var club’s manager went on.

A few months later, the former All Blacks centre confirmed it and signed on for another season on the Rade. His exceptional physical condition and his leadership won everyone over within the squad. His performances, meanwhile, are quite simply remarkable. At 43, and with 103 caps behind him, the Wellington native has perfect figures this season.

In his three appearances off the bench, against Bayonne, Pau and Racing 92, the powerful dreadlocked back has scored… three tries. Often tipping matches one way thanks to his vision and his dynamism. So yes, this is no longer the Ma’a Nonu of old, able to shrug off tackle after tackle with bewildering footwork. Or to catapult an attacker charging towards him.

Important in the rotation

But on the pitch, the former Hurricanes, Blues and Highlanders player still answers the call. More discreet away from the game, and full of humility, the New Zealander hands out advice, reassures and brings a touch of freshness.

Surprising, in fact, when you look back at his spell in San Diego, in MLR, where Nonu did not exactly make waves. The centre is also the perfect cover for the injured Cowie and Frisch, or a way of giving Brex a breather. Against Racing 92 again on Sunday, the All Black formed a brand-new centre pairing with the other veteran Jérémy Sinzelle.

Toulon’s board got it right. And yet this transfer was quite the gamble. Having already been on the Rade from 2015 to 2018, Nonu grew attached to the region and to Mayol, where the crowd never forget to give him an ovation. While he has not yet officially announced the end of his career at the close of this season, there is no doubt that the exceptional centre does not want to stop when things are going this well.

A winner of two World Cups (2011 and 2015), two Tri Nations (2008, 2010) and three Rugby Championships (2012, 2013, 2014), during New Zealand’s golden era, Nonu would dearly love to win a title (his last?) with RCT. Because, curiously, a man who began his career in 2002 has never won a club championship. It is now or never…