Jerome Kaino and Joe Tekori sign on for more at Toulouse - reports

Double All Blacks World Cup winner Jerome Kaino has been enjoying his European club adventure, so much so that French newspaper L’Equipe are reporting that the 36-year-old has agreed a contract extension taking him through to June 2021.

The back row, capped 81 times by New Zealand and a starter in the World Cup final wins over France and Australia, arrived in Toulouse in July last year and went on to win the Top 14 title in his first season at the club. 

Having now started his second season in convincing fashion, the former Blues stalwart had decided to agree to a third season at the end of which he will have turned 38. 

Toulouse have also agreed on a one-year extension with Samoan Joe Tekori, who turns 36 on December 17.

Despite their veteran status, both forwards are seen as essential components of the French club’s pack as it seeks to retain its Top 14 title and do better than last term’s Champions Cup semi-final appearance. 

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Tekori was expected to have been a part of Samoa’s squad at the recent World Cup, but he announced his retirement from Test rugby in the run-up to the finals and has instead been an integral part of Toulouse’s season, featuring in eleven games so far. 

Kaino has played just one less – ten – for the club who resume their European schedule this weekend with Sunday’s visit from French rivals Montpellier. 

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