Manoa to join Toulon – Boudjellal

Editor

Toulon owner Mourad Boudjellal has announced the signing of powerful back-row Samu Manoa on a four-year contract from Northampton Saints.

Manoa, who had long been linked with a move to the Top 14 and European champions, was confirmed a future Toulon player on Saturday night.

“Samu Manoa is the first four-year contract that I have signed,” Boudjellal said following his team’s 30-6 come-from-behind win over Lyon.

“For me, he will become the star of the Top 14. He is a rugby phenomenon, made for Mayol. He is a player we spotted a few months ago. We contacted him and his agent said he had been approached by all the clubs in the Top 14 and England and that the only offer he could take was that of Toulon.”

According to Boudjellal, Manoa will be joined by Saints team-mate and prop Salesi Ma’afu, with the deals following on from Ma’a Nonu and Napolioni Nalaga’s confirmed switches to Stade Mayol.