Code-hopper Joseph Manu eyes move to New Zealand or Australia – report

Code-hopper Joseph Manu could potentially be on the way to Super Rugby Pacific or back to the NRL quite soon with a report revealing the former Sydney Roosters superstar is apparently considering a return to either Australia or New Zealand.

Sydney Morning Herald reporter Michael Chammas has broken the story that Manu is weighing up asking for a release from a deal with Top 14 side Racing 92. Manu is currently with Toyota Verblitz in Japan but it’s understood the cross-code star is bound for the Parisian club.

RugbyPass’ transfer guru Neil Fissler revealed in February that Manu was “poised to sign a one-year deal” that would see the 28-year-old link up with former England captain Owen Farrell at the French side, who are currently sitting dangerously close to relegation.

Manu is set to join Racing for pre-season training in July, with the 2025/26 Top 14 campaign set to get underway in August. But this rumour throws a spanner into the works, with the report saying that family reasons are behind the backline utility’s potential backflip.

If Manu did sign a deal with one of New Zealand’s franchises in Super Rugby Pacific, that could see the former New Zealand rugby league international later play for the All Blacks. Manu did reveal in a recently interview with SMH that he was “sticking with rugby.”

“I hope to play for the All Blacks. That’s a dream and the World Cup would be nice,” Manu told Iain Payten. “But all I can say it I’ll be in rugby for this year and next year, and I juts want to see how each year goes.

“I’m enjoying it. If I wasn’t enjoying it, then obviously I probably would be back in rugby league. But for now I’m enjoying my time in union.”

In rugby league, Chammas has reported that the New Zealand Warriors could be a potential landing spot for Manu after the retirement of captain Tohu Harris. This could see Manu play alongside former All Black Roger Tuivasa-Sheck.