Understaffed in the center position, particularly since the injury to Adrea Cocagi against Montpellier, Castres announced this Monday the signing as a medical joker of Atu Manu from Nevers in Pro D2.
Two days after the victory of Castres Olympique (36-22), at home, against Lyon on the occasion of the 13th day of Top 14, the club’s leaders announced this Monday via a press release, the signing of Atu Manu as a medical joker. The Tongan international arrives from Pro D2 and the Nevers club to compensate for Adrea Cocagi’s injury.
Victim of a broken forearm during the match against Montpellier on December 20, the Fijian center had to undergo surgery and will miss at least three months of competition. A lack of elements which proved to be even more obvious during the reception of the LOU, since Castres only had three valid players, capable of filling the two positions in the center. Despite the great victory, the leaders of the Tarn club still decided to get active.
A versatile profile
Trained at Stade Français, Atunaisa Taulanga Vaka Manu cut his teeth in the capital. Having played for Massy, Carcassonne and Grenoble in his career, the Tongan center has the particularity of being able to also play as a winger. A versatility which brings a little more weight to the profile of the 27-year-old player (1.86 m – 105 kg). International twice, it is in Pro D2 with Nevers that Atu Manu has played since 2024. Described as a “physical and explosive player” by the club in its press release, the center took part in six championship matches this season for three starts. By scoring two tries, against Agen and Aurillac, Atu Manu contributed to the good first part of the season for USO Nevers, 7th and who are in the fight for promotion.
At Castres Olympique, Atu Manu will notably find among the staff Steven Sétéphano whom he knew during his time at Grenoble and who is today the coach of the “CO” defenders. Atu Manu will certainly have the opportunity to make his big debut in his new colors during Castres’ first match of the year, on January 3 for a trip to the Stade Français pitch as part of the 14th day of Top 14.
