Ma’a Nonu, the All Blacks icon, is shattering the age barriers in professional rugby, continuing to amaze the rugby fraternity by ticking off another mind-boggling milestone. At 43, not only has Nonu become the oldest player to ever grace France’s Top 14, but he's also smashing it, scoring in each of his first three outings this season for Toulon. His latest score came during a vital 45-21 win over Racing 92, where he dazzled with a robust 25-minute appearance.
Nonu's remarkable performance against Racing 92 marked his 100th cap for RC Toulon, making them the third team he has reached such a milestone with, following his tenures at the Hurricanes and with the All Blacks. Over his illustrious career, Nonu has amassed 103 caps for New Zealand, 126 for the Hurricanes, and had stints with the Blues, Highlanders, Wellington, Japan’s Black Rams, and the San Diego Legion in the USA. With his career caps nearing the 500 mark, Nonu shows no signs of slowing down, having already surpassed this number if you count his appearances for the Junior All Blacks and the Barbarians.
Returning to Toulon in February as a medical joker, Nonu broke records in March by becoming the oldest player in France’s premier rugby division. His enduring excellence prompted Toulon to extend his contract through the 2025/26 season, ensuring he plays beyond his 44th birthday. “
'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,'
” read a club statement.
Despite his advancing years, Nonu still showcases the formidable skill and power that once made him the world's premier number 12. He has adapted his game to play in the loose forwards, where his strong ball-carrying and tough defense continue to be major assets for Toulon. Currently, Toulon is positioned fifth in the Top 14 standings after securing four victories in their first six matches. Looking ahead, December holds the promise of Nonu making a splash in the Investec Champions Cup, with matchups against Edinburgh, Bath, Munster, and Gloucester on the horizon.
Toulon’s ongoing campaign in the Top 14 and their upcoming European fixtures underline the significant impact of Nonu’s leadership and performance, proving that age is just a number in the face of enduring class and resilience.
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Ma’a Nonu, the All Blacks icon, is shattering the age barriers in professional rugby, continuing to amaze the rugby fraternity by ticking off another mind-boggling milestone. At 43, not only has Nonu become the oldest player to ever grace France’s Top 14, but he's also smashing it, scoring in each of his first three outings this season for Toulon. His latest score came during a vital 45-21 win over Racing 92, where he dazzled with a robust 25-minute appearance.
Nonu's remarkable performance against Racing 92 marked his 100th cap for RC Toulon, making them the third team he has reached such a milestone with, following his tenures at the Hurricanes and with the All Blacks. Over his illustrious career, Nonu has amassed 103 caps for New Zealand, 126 for the Hurricanes, and had stints with the Blues, Highlanders, Wellington, Japan’s Black Rams, and the San Diego Legion in the USA. With his career caps nearing the 500 mark, Nonu shows no signs of slowing down, having already surpassed this number if you count his appearances for the Junior All Blacks and the Barbarians.
Returning to Toulon in February as a medical joker, Nonu broke records in March by becoming the oldest player in France’s premier rugby division. His enduring excellence prompted Toulon to extend his contract through the 2025/26 season, ensuring he plays beyond his 44th birthday. “
'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,'
” read a club statement.Despite his advancing years, Nonu still showcases the formidable skill and power that once made him the world's premier number 12. He has adapted his game to play in the loose forwards, where his strong ball-carrying and tough defense continue to be major assets for Toulon. Currently, Toulon is positioned fifth in the Top 14 standings after securing four victories in their first six matches. Looking ahead, December holds the promise of Nonu making a splash in the Investec Champions Cup, with matchups against Edinburgh, Bath, Munster, and Gloucester on the horizon.
Toulon’s ongoing campaign in the Top 14 and their upcoming European fixtures underline the significant impact of Nonu’s leadership and performance, proving that age is just a number in the face of enduring class and resilience.