All Blacks legend Ma’a Nonu extends his career beyond his 44th birthday as Toulon confirm two world-class signings
All Blacks legend Ma'a Nonu and an inset of Italy's Juan Ignacio Brex
All Blacks legend Ma’a Nonu will extend his career past his 44th birthday after signing a contract extension at RC Toulon in France.
Nonu will better his record of being the oldest player to play in the French Top 14 when he runs out for the men in red and black who he rejoined midway through last season.
A legend of the club
The two-time Rugby World Cup winner joined Toulon as a medical joker during the 2024/25 season and featured in four matches for the club, including a start against Bayonne and a cameo off the bench in their play-off defeat to Castres.
“A legend of the club and international rugby, the All Black centre will continue his extraordinary career for another season in the colours of Toulon,” A club statement read.
“A true source of inspiration for the rest of the Rouge & Noir squad, his return to the top level has been unanimously welcomed.”
This is Nonu’s second stint at the French giants, whom he joined after the 2015 Rugby World Cup and played nearly 100 matches before his departure to the USA, where he represented San Diego Legion.
His renewal means that Nonu will play his 25th season of professional rugby, having broken onto the scene with Wellington all the way back in 2002.
Mercer and Brex confirmed
The extension of the 103-Test cap All Black was accompanied by the announcement that the club have signed world-class Italian centre Juan Ignacio Brex from Benetton and the high-profile signing of English number eight Zach Mercer on a three-year deal.
Mercer returns to France after two seasons back in the Premiership. He enjoyed a sterling stint in the Top 14 previously with Montpellier, where he was crowned the Player of the Year after helping the club win their first French title.
Hooker Mickaël Ivaldi has also delayed his retirement following the long-term injury to Gianmarco Lucchesi while veteran midfielder Jérémy Sinzelle has also re-signed.
Fly-half Matéo Garcia, Georgian tighthead prop Nikoloz Narmania, back-rower Patrick Tuifua, scrum-half Clovis Le Bail and outside back Mathis Ferté have signed for Toulon, the club confirmed.
