At 43, Ma'a Nonu has blown Toulon away and could carry on for another year with RCT. An incredible prospect for the former All Black, who began his professional career at the turn of the millennium.
Photo: Ma’a Nonu at the Stade Mayol, on 14 June 2025 in Toulon, France. Photo: Anthony Bibard - Icon Sport.
Ma’a Nonu may not be done with his immense and very long career. Out of retirement this winter, at 42, to return to Toulon as a medical joker to general surprise, the double world champion All Black legend (2011, 2015) could extend the fun. L’Equipereport that the powerful centre, used four times in the second half of the season including in the quarter-final against Castres, where he also became the oldest player to take part in (and score a try in!) a play-off match, has convinced his manager Pierre Mignoni to sign on for another year.
Nonu and Toulon, a fine story that began in 2015
Having first come to the Rade after winning the 2015 World Cup with the Dan Carter and Conrad Smith generation, Nonu played three seasons with RCT then went back to New Zealand before returning to Toulon for a short stint during the 2020-2021 season.
Faced with several absences among his backs during the season, Pierre Mignoni took advantage of the New Zealander’s presence at RCT as part of his coaching qualification to ask him to lace up his boots again. A fine story that was only supposed to last a few months but which could therefore run on a little longer than planned, to the great delight of the Var club’s die-hards.
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