Toulon Confirm Signing of All Blacks Star Leicester Fainga’anuku
- 1524
Toulon Confirm Signing of All Blacks Star Leicester Fainga’anuku
All Blacks winger Leicester Fainga'anuku will join French club Toulon later this year, his New Zealand side the Crusaders said on Thursday.
The winger will see out his Super Rugby commitments with the Crusaders, and join up with Toulon after the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
The burly winger made his two Test appearances so far for New Zealand in last year's home series defeat to Ireland.
“100%, I’m still hungry for that black jersey. Obviously, last year I didn’t quite get as much game time as I expected, but this season I really want to make a mark and show that I’m one that really is eager to put on that black jersey” he said to stuff.co.nz
“Especially in the World Cup. Being named in the squad is one thing, but getting the opportunity to play is what drives me.”
The signing comes after Toulon recently parted ways with Springbok winger Cheslin Kolbe, who has signed for Japanese club Suntory Sungoliath.
Tonga-born Fainga'anuku has chalked up more than 50 Super Rugby appearances since his debut for the Crusaders in 2019.
The Christchurch-based Crusaders host the Fijian Drua on Saturday in this season's quarter-finals as the New Zealand team bids to win a seventh consecutive Super Rugby title.
