Ma’a Nonu has returned to Toulon for the third time in his career – on this occasion as a player-coach. The 42-year-old will remain at the club until the end of the season as a medical joker.
Nonu had initially joined Toulon as a trainee coach just two weeks ago, but due to an injury crisis at the club, the 103-cap All Black international has been enticed into lacing up his playing boots.
France international Esteban Abadie said to Midi Olympique: “Nonu, I had just met him on Rugby 08!”
“One thing has already struck me… It’s his humility! I had already experienced that with Rokocoko at Racing 92. They are legends who have marked the history of our sport, and they come to the clubs with the humility of a youngster. Both show a lot of respect. It makes you think.”
Should Nonu enter the field of play in Lyon on Saturday, he will become the oldest-ever Top 14 player, overtaking former tighthead prop Karena Wihongi, who was 40 years and 98 days old when he made his last top-flight appearance for Castres against Agen in January 2020.
There’s still life in the old boy yet. Just look at this deadly drop goal from a couple of years ago: Ma’a Nonu Drop Goal.
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