Fijian lock Leone Nakarawa has found a new club

Leone Nakarawa has a new club – with Castres Olympique revealing that they have signed the talented Fijian in a surprise coup.

Technically a free agent as of June 30th – Nakarawa has signed a one-year contract with the Top 14 finalists, the club confirmed this week.

The 34-year-old Fijian spent last season at Toulon, having previously played for Racing 92 and maybe most famously, Glasgow Warriors.

Stephen Ferris, have New Zealand rugby lost their aura? | RugbyPass Offload | EP 42

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Stephen Ferris, have New Zealand rugby lost their aura? | RugbyPass Offload | EP 42

Nakarawa – who has made just eight appearances for Fiji since 2013 – spent a total of five years at Glasgow across the span of two separate stints in Scotland.

In 2016 the then 31-year-old left the Warriors for the Racing 92 after making a name for himself with the Scottish side, with whom he made over 80 appearances since his debut in 2013. He won a PRO12 title juset two years later.

He did find himself in hot water a few times with Racing, failing to return from Fiji on time on a few occasions and also struggling with weight gain on occasion.

A phenomenal player when fit, Castre are hoping that there’s still fight left in the 6’6, 112kg lock.

“It’s a very measured bet given the modest conditions in which he comes,” said Castres President Pierre-Yves Revol.”His season in Toulon left him wanting, but if he is confident, he is a player who can be very useful and help us to perform well on both national and European tables. Nakarawa therefore completes the recruitment of the club, which is also exclusively made up of Jiff players from Pro D2.”

Nakarawa said “that having the possibility of joining a club like the Castres is a challenge that cannot be refused. I’m going to find Fijian friends with whom I played in the selection and who will facilitate my integration. I want to do everything to take part in the next World Cup, but I know it’s going to be a great season with Castres, which I can’t wait to discover.”