Ma'a Nonu sets yet another Top 14 record

Former All Blacks centre Ma’a Nonu broke his own record on Sunday for being the oldest player to score a try in the Top 14.

Having already become the oldest player in Top 14 history when he marked his return to Toulon in March this year – a record he continues to break with every appearance – the 43-year-old scored his first try of the season in a 35-32 defeat to Bayonne at the Parc des Sports Jean Dauger at the weekend.

The double World Cup winner had already broken the record for being the oldest try scorer in the Top 14 when he crossed the line at the end of last season against Castres, but this latest score only makes the record harder to beat.

The match was Nonu’s first appearance for Toulon, where he featured from the bench in a 25-minute cameo.

Ma’a Nonu 👑🇳🇿
Un peu plus dans l’histoire du rugby mondial en devenant le joueur le plus âgé à marquer un essai en #TOP14 👏 pic.twitter.com/XeE2GTsPJd

— TOP 14 Rugby (@top14rugby) September 29, 2025

Though Nonu’s 57th-minute try, just a minute after coming on, did narrow Bayonne’s lead to just six points at 26-20, it was not enough to prevent Toulon losing their first game of the season, leaving them at ninth in the league. The club do, however, have a game in hand after their match with La Rochelle last week was cancelled.

Toulon host Pau this Saturday, who are currently level with Toulouse at the top of the league.

After rejoining Toulon for the third time in February, the club announced in July that the All Blacks centurion had signed a new one-year deal, sharing this statement: “A legend of the club and international rugby, the All Black centre will continue his extraordinary career for another season in the colours of Toulon.

“A true source of inspiration for the rest of the Rouge & Noir squad, his return to the top level has been unanimously welcomed.”