Former All Black Ma’a Nonu makes history as oldest player in French Top 14 at 42

Veteran New Zealand centre Ma’a Nonu made history today when he became the oldest man to play in the French Top 14.

The 42-year-old two-time World Cup winner went into the record books when he came on as a second-half replacement in Toulon’s 28-26 loss at Castres.

Nonu, in his third spell with the French club, has signed as medical cover for the rest of the season.

Having played at Toulon from 2015-2018 and then again in the 2020-2021 campaign, the 103-test back moved to the United States to play in San Diego.

In his 20-minute cameo, Nonu played a key role in setting up Fijian winger Jiuta Wainiqolo’s 74th-minute try.

Overall, Toulon outscored Castres by four tries to three with Jules Coulon, Gianmarco Lucchesi adding to Wainiqolo’s second-half brace.

Castres’ tries all came in the first half from Santiago Arata, Vilimoni Botitu and Christian Ambadiang.

Despite the loss, Toulon stay in third place in the standings, one point behind Bordeaux-Begles and seven behind leaders Toulouse.

[Source: NZ Herald]