After his victory against Castres (52-23) in the quarterfinals of Top 14, RC Toulon expects a completely different challenge in the next round against the Union Bordeaux Bègles. Varois can count in their ranks on Ma’a Nonu, legend of All Blacks (103 selections), which does not hesitate to get their hands dirty within the Mignoni Pierre formation.
When RC Toulon announced the return of Ma’a Nonu to the harbor, for the third time after two passages in 2015-2018 and 2020-2021, many wondered what the 43-year-old center could still bring. A few months later, the double world champion 2011 and 2015 fulfills its mission wonderfully, both on and off the field.
In the quarterfinals of Top 14 last weekend against Castres, the Toulonnais even went from his test shortly before the mermaid, to definitively qualify the RCT in the semi-finals, against the Union Bordeaux Bègles. For the team this Wednesday, the New Zealander agreed to indulge a little but not too much. To the question of how he feels despite the weight of years and matches, he replied: “Frankly, that’s fine. He sends me signs and I really have confidence in the possibility of doing my part for the good of the team. I have been training my body for a long time, with quality. I respect him and take care of it. I measure my chance of being able to train here in Toulon. And I trust the whole coaching team, they have helped me in recent months. »»
Real recognition towards Toulon
In the Var, Ma’a Nonu shines again and he does so in his own way, being present in the development of young people and within the Staff of Pierre Mignoni. Whatever you ask him, he runs even if it is not all the time to put on the RCT jersey on the field: “One thing is certain: each time I will be offered the opportunity to play, I will do my best to get the most out of the RC Toulon. (…) I am focused to advance the team, she passes first. I am satisfied to be able to make my contribution to its proper functioning. »»
To hear it, despite a long record like the arm and an impressive physique, the former Wellington Lions or Hurricanes player does not want to put himself forward and expresses real recognition towards Toulon. “When you play for Toulon, what you feel above all are the expectations of supporters, people in the stands,” admits Nonu. It’s a time when you gather your energy in yourself to be able to play your abilities at best. You tell yourself that you have to do your part, you have to stay lucid, not pour into emotions. (…) Frankly, there is nothing special. I am a player like the others, I just do my job. »»
On the other hand, when it comes to talking about the team, the New Zealander is a little more talkative without saying too much either: “Here, with this team from Toulon, there is a special link, something with Pierre (Mignoni) and the players. I am really grateful to be there, to live these moments. It’s hard to express myself without delivering more details. (…) I cannot explain what I feel with words, because everything could be taken up, interpreted and distorted. I am a man of action, I do not speak much. I do, I fulfill. All I can say is that this team is special, but that it is still on the way, we have not yet accomplished anything. »»
