At 37, Maxime Machenaud is not finished with the top level. Out of contract with Aviron Bayonnais this summer, the scrum-half is heading for a return to Racing 92, where he played between 2012 and 2022, according to our colleagues at L’Equipe.

The former France international (38 caps), who at one point was considering moving into the Bayonne coaching staff, ultimately wanted to extend his career by at least one more season in Top 14. Talks with the Paris-region club have progressed markedly in recent weeks and a deal for the 2026-2027 campaign is now well on track.

Machenaud knows Racing 92 inside out, having won the French championship title with them in 2016, a match in which he was in fact sent off for a dangerous tackle. Also a former Agen and Bordeaux-Bègles player, he could bring huge experience in a key position, alongside young Carbonneau in particular.

Held back this season by a very serious right knee injury sustained in October, he has played only four matches with Bayonne, but is continuing his rehabilitation and could play again before the end of the season. This eagerly awaited return to the Paris region would be the final challenge of a huge career marked by consistency and longevity at the highest level.