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Nakarawa heads to Toulon exit with Prem clubs sniffing

Leone Nakarawa /Getty

Fiji second row Leone Nakawara is heading towards the exit at Toulon – according to reports coming out of France.

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According to Midi Olympique, RCT do not want to offer the former Glasgow Warriors fan favourite a new contract despite the versatile forward having featured 14 times for the Var this season alone.

On the surface, it appears like an odd move for Toulon and the 33-year-old.

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Le French Rugby Podcast – Episode 19

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Le French Rugby Podcast – Episode 19

Nakawara had been set to sign for Ulster last summer until the Irish province pulled out of the deal after they received ‘a detailed medical report’ that appeared to cast doubt on his fitness – understood to be a knee issue. It worked out okay for Ulster who eventually signed Rugby World Cup-winning Springboks Duane Vermeulen, possibly with the help of spare cash from the failed bid to sign the Fijian.

It is unlikely that he will remain without a club for long, with a number of Premiership sides apparently eager to take him. Pat Lam’s Bristol are one club that have been linked with the 6’6, 112kg forward, while Bath have previously been rumoured to be a possible destination, although Nathan Hughes’ emergence might have dampened their need for the back five forward.

Nakarawa has had an interesting club career that has seen him enjoy two stints at Glasgow Warriors, as well as time at Racing 92 and most recently Toulon. His contract in Paris was terminated early after he failed to return to the team on time following the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan.

He isn’t the only big-name forward leaving Stade Mayol. The club have chosen not to take an option on a third year for former Wallaby Lopeti Timani. Timani played has switched allegiance back to Tonga, playing his first game for the country of his birth.

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The 31-year-old arrived at RCT from La Rochelle last year and the 6’4, 125kg backrow will no doubt not be long finding a new club.

Near the bottom of the Top 14, the club have already confirmed the departure of Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth and France flyhalf Louis Carbonel.

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H
Hellhound 22 minutes ago
What has happened to Aphelele Fassi?

Willie will always be the most missed player for me once he retires. He wasn't interested in scoring tries. The ultimate team player. Has the most assists in tries in the Bok team, and his kicks always spot on, at least 95% of the time. He reads the game like no other player can. He wasn't flashy, and people didn't notice him because of that. Great rugby head and knowledge. He should be catapulted into an assistant coach in the rugby system. He should really consider coaching.


Damian Willemse is an excellent fullback and he is the number 1 fullback. He can play the entire backline positions, except maybe 9, but I'm sure he would be able too if he wanted. No one is taking that away from him, only stand in while he is injured. He is world class and you don't swap that out. He also got wicked dancing feet, great eye for openings, and reads a game like few can, like Willie Le Roux. Also very strong on his feet, with absolute great hands and his kicking game is just as good.


As for Aphelele Fassi. What a great find and he has exceptional talent that Rassie will mould into a world class player. Yet.... He is nowhere even close to Damien Willemse. He has a long way to go to get there, but he is surrounded by great team mates from who he will gain lots of advice and support. He can play wing and fullback and Rassie may just try him out as a flyhalf or centre too. He has the abilities to expand his game. He is for sure a future star, but not yet at the stage to take away Damien Willemse's spot. However, DW start and AF on the bench, that is an awesome replacement. Between the 2 they cover all positions in the backline once AF gets that training. The Boks could go 6/2 permanently if they wanted. 6 forwards, a scrumhalf and AF. I may be wrong, but Rassie will spread AF around.

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R
RedWarrior 1 hour ago
'They smelt it': Scott Robertson says Italy sensed All Blacks' vulnerability

I think Italy were always targetting this match and intended to win. They needed to exorcise the 2023 RWC. I think they could have done with a bit more help from other 6Ns particularly from Ireland to knock more holes in NZ and their confidence.

Mentioned before the Italy Argentina match was a virus that ripped through the Italy camp early that week. In general play Italy were competitive albeit with a high error count and crucial missed tackles.

Ive said it before the era of NZ turning up unprepared for all comers and triumphing is definitively over. If a Tier1 team target NZ and NZ do not prepare accordingly they are in with a major chance of losing. It used to occur the odd time in RWCs against France, now it can occur v any Tier1. The competition has improved. NZ can still be at the top but their talents must be deployed sufficiently into dismantling teams as with their attack then allowed to exploit.

They dismantled Ireland pretty well in Dublin which went largely unnoticed. That allowed them scoreboard advantage and attacking opportunities of which one was enough.

That Italian team beat Wales and significantly Scotland last year. They used the loss to NZ in the most positive way possible. No doubt NZ prepared but I would assume it was similar to versus Argentina: 3/4 arsed at best. These test matches are rare and this was another chance to practice dismantling a determined and prepared opponent which was lost. If Italy had scored a 7 pointer at 17-6....an Italian win was on.

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