Italy's Tommaso Menoncello set for Top 14 move as giants outdo rivals

Italy centre Tommaso Menoncello is set to join reigning Top 14 champions Toulouse at the end of the season, according to French outlet L’Equipe.

The 23-year-old’s current contract with Benetton is due to run out at the end of the season, and Toulouse, who lifted the Bouclier de Brennus for the 24th time in June, have swooped for him.

Toulouse’s Top 14 rivals Toulon were heavily linked with the 2024 Six Nations player of the championship last season, and planned to buy him out of his contract and bring him to the Stade Mayol over the summer, the exact move his Italian centre partner Ignacio Brex made.

Ronan O’Gara’s La Rochelle were also interested in the 31-cap Italian, but he appears to have opted for Toulouse, despite Toulon reportedly offering higher wages.

Menoncello will come in to fill the void left by Tonga and former New Zealand Sevens star Pita Ahki, whose contract at the Stade Ernest-Wallon expires at the end of the season.

Fixture

Top 14

Toulouse

56 - 13

Full-time

Bordeaux

All Stats and Data

Heading into the new United Rugby Championship season, where Benetton have picked up a win and a loss in their opening two matches with Menoncello startingg both matches in the No.13 shirt, the 105kg Italian pinpointed his fitness as an area of his game that he wants to work on.

“I am focusing a lot on the physical side, especially endurance and fitness,” said Menoncello. “I want to be in the best possible condition to face the season. I am working with the athletic trainers to improve my physical condition, so that I can approach the championship with maximum preparation.

“This is my sixth season at Benetton Rugby, and every year I try to improve myself. The goals for this year remain the same: to improve constantly in every training session and to give my all to help the team win as much as possible. At the end of the season, my dream is to win the award for the team’s best player.”