WATCH: Ma’a Nonu’s REMARKABLE Top 14 cameo at the age of 42 as All Blacks legend claims superb assist
All Blacks legend Ma'a Nonu, at the age of 42, coming on for Toulon, and his assist for a try.
Ma’a Nonu still has plenty to offer even at the ripe old age of 42 as he became the oldest player to feature in the Top 14 at the weekend.
The All Blacks legend played his first game back after re-signing for Toulon as cover for the injured Charles Ollivon.
Heading back to France as a medical joker was already an incredible story but few expected him to see much on-field action.
Taking the Top 14 record
Even fewer then thought he would actually be of much use to Toulon, but Nonu once again proved that age is indeed just a number as he produced a remarkably impressive cameo in the Top 14.
Coming on for France wing Gabin Villiere in the final quarter to make history at the age of 42 years, 10 months and eight days, the former All Blacks centre showed that he can still offer plenty of quality at this level.
He made a couple of typically powerful carries at close quarters, one which almost saw him go over the line, but the highlight was undoubtedly his sumptuous pass for Jiuta Wainiqolo’s try.
It left Toulon head honcho Pierre Mignoni impressed, who saw his much-changed outfit give a good account of themselves in the narrow 28-26 defeat to Castres.
“Ma’a’s entry was very good. It’s great because there was on the field the youngest of the team and the oldest,” he said, referring to the difference in age between Nonu and 19-year-old Oliver Cowie.
Mignoni added: “Oliver Cowie had a good match too. He (Nonu) could practically be his father, it’s a bit of a crazy contrast but, in any case, well done to these two players, I’m happy for them.”
💥 MA’A NONU’S RETURN TO TOULON!
The All Blacks legend became the oldest player to play in the Top 14 at the age of 42 with a bright cameo against Castres! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/8W1bqoqogo
— Jared Wright (@jaredwright17) March 31, 2025
Social media reaction
Nonu is a two-time Rugby World Cup winner and All Blacks legend, but he ended his international career after the triumph in the 2015 global tournament.
Since then, he has plied his trade overseas, firstly with Toulon in the Top 14 before featuring for San Diego Legion in Major League Rugby.
His durability and sheer passion for the game continues to impress, with fans on X (formerly Twitter) staggered by his latest achievement.
“I’m 42 this year and I can safely say if I tried to play a game now it’d take me several weeks to recover,” one person wrote.
Another added: “Still looks in good condition too.
“Here I am in my forties and everything bloody aches. I swear all my joints go snap crackle and pop just trying to pick up something from the floor.”
Few struggled to comprehend how Nonu is still playing at the level he is, especially considering the physical demands of the sport.
As one person put it, “my 37yo body nearly pulled a muscle getting up to charge my phone so I could watch this clip.”
