Malakai Fekitoa says he hopes to return to New Zealand with “more experience and success” after signing a two year contract with French club Toulon.
Fekitoa, who also plays for the Highlanders, will join former All Blacks Ma’a Nonu and Luke McAlister at Toulon.
As Kaniva News reported earlier this month, Fekitoa signed with Toulon after not making the original cut for the All Blacks.
However he was called in for the third test and there have been questions in the media about whether he would try to get out of his contract.
He was one of four Tongan players to line up on either side of the All Blacks-Lions match.
After he was selected to play for the New Zealand national team there was speculation that he might try to get out of the contract.
In an emotional message posted online, Fekitoa said:
“I wanted to let you all know that after a lot of thought I have decided to join Toulon (RCT) at the end of the year. It has been the hardest decision of my life to leave New Zealand, but after looking at all the things that are important to me I feel this is the right time for me personally and for my career. I especially want to thank NZR and the @Allblacks, the @Highlandersteam and @AucklandRugby for all your support and development over the years. Most of all I want to thank my team mates for all your support and friendships. Finally to my fans THANK YOU, it’s been a hell of a ride. I’m blessed and thankful to play this game. Doesn’t matter where I go to work. We still have a lot more to do. I hope to return one day with more experience and success.”
The 25 year-old player has signed on with Toulon for two years.
He had been in touch with foreign clubs in the lead up to the Highlanders’ opening Super Rugby match in February.
He will take the field for the Highlanders against the Crusaders in Christchurch on Saturday night.
The main points
- Malakai Fekitoa says he hopes to return to New Zealand with more experience and signing a two year contract with French club Toulon.
- He said he hoped to return to New Zealand with “more experience and success.”
- Fekitoa, who also plays for the Highlanders, will join former All Blacks Ma’a Nonu and Luke McAlister at Toulon.
- As Kaniva News reported earlier this month, Fekitoa signed a contract with Toulon after not making the original cut for the All Blacks.
For more information
Malakai Fekitoa’s move to France confirmed
Naked, pedigreed and determined – Tongan players in the All Blacks-Lions clash
