Ma'a Nonu departs Toulon with immediate effect aged 44

The All Blacks legend returned to Toulon in February 2025 at the age of 42 and went on to make history. He became the oldest player ever to feature in the Top 14 before later setting another record as the competition's oldest try scorer.

Across his two spells with Toulon, Nonu reached the milestone of 100 appearances for the club, further cementing his status as one of the greatest players to wear the famous red and black jersey.

He was honoured by the club alongside fellow departing players and staff members Gilles Alou, Sergio Parisse, Brian Alainuuese, Andrea Masi, Dany Brennan and Giorgi Javakhia.

Nonu's longevity in the professional game has been remarkable. He is the last active professional player who featured at the 2003 Rugby World Cup, more than two decades ago.

His peak years came on the international stage with New Zealand. Selected as the starting inside centre for the 2015 Rugby World Cup, Nonu featured in almost every pool match before playing in every knockout fixture.

He memorably scored a stunning 50-metre solo try in the final as the All Blacks defeated Australia 34-17 to retain their title.

Before rejoining Toulon, many believed Nonu had already played his final professional match. Nearly two years later, that prediction proved premature.

Even at 44, he has shown he can still compete in one of rugby's toughest competitions. Nonu has made 11 appearances in the Top 14 this season, including three starts.

He made an immediate impact with three tries in his first three matches but was unable to maintain that scoring form throughout the campaign.

There has also been speculation that Nonu could switch international allegiance to Samoa, the nation of his heritage, ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup. He would be 45 years old by the time the tournament begins.

Samoa have explored ways to add experienced internationals to their squad, and Nonu's leadership, experience and proven quality could make him an attractive option should he decide to pursue that route.

Retirement remains another possibility, which would be understandable given his age. However, the signs so far suggest Nonu may still feel he has more to offer at the professional level, even if that role is increasingly as an experienced squad member rather than a regular starter.

From jaw-dropping tries to unforgettable moments (and yes, some questionable haircuts), these players defined a golden era of the game. If their names don’t instantly come to mind, we suggest a quick trip to YouTube to jog your memory. Trust us, it’s worth it.

Ready to test your knowledge? Let’s see if you’ve still got it. Good luck!