Top 14 champions Toulouse have announced the signing of All Blacks tighthead prop Nepo Laulala, who will arrive on a deal until 2026.
The front-row has forged a strong reputation for his set-piece work and comes into the French side as a replacement for Charlie Faumuina.
Laulala will join Toulouse from Super Rugby Pacific outfit the Blues, but has previously played for the Chiefs and before that the Crusaders.
All Blacks debut in 2015
The 32-year-old tighthead prop is Samoan-born and was given his New Zealand international bow against his birth country in Apia in 2015.
He has gone on to become a solid option in the All Blacks team and was named on the bench in their Rugby Championship opener last week.
Laulala is likely to feature again on Saturday in their pivotal second-round game against South Africa at Mount Smart Stadium in Auckland.
ℕ , nouveau Stadiste 🔥
L’ancien joueur des Blues d’Auckland s’engage à nos côtés jusqu’en 2026 🤝
Axe 2️⃣ : #Trajectoire2027 🔴⚫ pic.twitter.com/FT75jsfDJB
— Stade Toulousain (@StadeToulousain) July 11, 2023
News of Laulala’s deal comes a day after prop Paul Mallez signed a new two-year deal, but will be loaned out this season to Provence Rugby.
Toulouse have already confirmed the signings of Leo Banos, Billy Searle, George Tilsley, Setareki Bituniyata and Kakeru Okumura (on loan).
Ugo Mola’s men recent claimed the 2022/23 Top 14 title after beating La Rochelle 29-26 in the final thanks to Romain Ntamack’s superb try.
Replaces Charlie Faumuina
As mentioned, Laulala will replace the retiring Faumuina, who is set to play for Samoa at the Rugby World Cup before hanging up his boots.
Laulala had inked a one-year contract extension with the Blues and New Zealand Rugby last year, but has now opted to switch to the Top 14.
Other All Blacks leaving New Zealand are Sam Whitelock (Pau), Brodie Retallick (Kobelco Kobe Steelers), Shannon Frizell (Toshiba Brave Lupus) and Pita Gus Sowakula (Clermont), Aaron Smith (Toyota Verblitz), Richie Mo’unga (Toshiba Brave Lupus), Leicester Fainga’anuku (Lyon) and Brad Weber (Stade Francais).
Toulon sign Noah Lolesio
Last week it was reported by Roar that Brumbies fly-half Noah Lolesio is set to sign a short-term contract with another Top 14 team, Toulon.
The 23-year-old pivot was recently left out of the Wallabies squad by head coach Eddie Jones and is rumoured to be on the verge of joining.
Australia currently have three fly-halves in their squad as Quade Cooper, Carter Gordon and Ben Donaldson are the trio that Jones selected.
READ MORE: Predicting the All Blacks side that will face South Africa in their Rugby Championship clash
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