Ma’a Nonu rolled back the years on Saturday night, scoring a late try as Toulon thumped Castres 52–23 in a Top 14 play-off at Stade Mayol to book their place in the semi-finals.
The 43-year-old All Black centre powered over in the 77th minute to cap a dominant second-half performance from the hosts, who will now face Bordeaux in the semi-finals in Lyon on June 21.
Nonu’s try came after a punishing forward carry near the Castres line. The score was made all the more symbolic by the fact his last try in Toulon colours had also come against Castres, back in 2018. It was his first try of the season after returning to the French club from MLR side San Diego Legion as a medical joker earlier this year.
The 108kg veteran added one of a number of late 5-pointers to a match that saw Toulon run in six tries and rack up 19 unanswered points in the final ten minutes.
It was a composed and clinical performance from Pierre Mignoni’s side, who had in fact trailed during the first half before turning on the power after the break.
MA’A NONU TOUT EN PUISSANCE ! @rctofficiel #TOP14 I #RCTCO pic.twitter.com/RUyLLSO2Ag
— CANAL+ Rugby (@CanalplusRugby) June 14, 2025
Castres had remained in touch until the final quarter, but Toulon’s physical dominance, depth off the bench and accuracy in attack proved too much. Toulon fullback Melvyn Jaminet was super impressive with the boot, scoring 27 points in total – which included crossing the white wash for a try of his own.
Left wing Jiuta Wainiqolo was also a constant threat with ball in hand. The Fijian scored the final try of the game in the 80th minute. Scotland scrumhalf Ben White, back row Facundo Isa and Baptiste Serin also shared in the spoils.
Nonu’s late score helped seal a result that sends Toulon into their first Top 14 semi-final in eight years.
