All Blacks legend makes top rugby return at 42 and has instant impact

New Zealand legend Ma'a Nonu has made history after making his return to European top-flight rugby at the age of 42. The two-time Rugby World Cup winner became the oldest man to play in the French Top 14 when he took to the field for Toulon in their narrow defeat to Castres on Saturday, and certainly didn't look out of place during his second half cameo. Having come off the bench shortly before the hour mark, Nonu even notched a try assist as he played the final pass for Fijian winger Jiuta Wainiqolo's to score in the 74th minute.

Incredibly, two Toulon players sharing the pitch with Nonu - centre Oliver Cowie and lock Corentin Mezou - hadn't even been born when the powerhouse centre made his All Blacks debut in June 2003. His sensational return to Toulon - who he previously played for between 2015 and 2018 and again between 2020 and 2021 - was confirmed last month, with the All Black icon moving back to France as a medical joker until the end of the season, having left Major League Rugby side San Diego Legion. Nonu won 103 caps for the All Blacks between 2003 to 2015, winning the 2011 and 2015 Rugby World Cups.



Toulon are now third in the Top 14, seven points behind league leaders Toulouse..