Hey there rugby fans! Today, we’re going to take a look at five former top-flight rugby players who are still lacing up their boots and giving it their all on the field. These guys may not be in the spotlight anymore, but they’re still making a big impact. Let’s dive in!
First up, we have Ma’a Nonu from New Zealand. This 40-year-old powerhouse has recently been re-signed by the San Diego Legion for the 2023 Major League Rugby season. Standing at 6’0″ and weighing in at 240 lbs, Nonu is still smashing people left and right. In the 2022 season, he played 872 minutes in 13 matches, starting 12 of them. He even managed to score a try! This is Nonu’s second stint with the Legion, as he previously played for them during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season. Before that, he spent some time with Toulon as a medical joker. Nonu’s rugby journey started in Wellington, New Zealand, where he attended First Strathmore Park Primary School and Rongotai College. He played for various teams throughout his career, including the Hurricanes, the Blues, and the Highlanders.
Next on our list is a player who needs no introduction – Bryan Habana. This South African speedster is still tearing up the field, despite officially retiring from international rugby in 2018. Habana, known for his lightning-fast pace, played for the Springboks from 2004 to 2016, earning 124 caps and scoring a whopping 67 tries. After hanging up his international boots, he joined the French club Toulon, where he played until 2018. But Habana’s love for the game didn’t stop there. He recently made a surprise comeback, signing with the South African franchise, the Bulls, for the 2022 season. At 38 years old, Habana proved that age is just a number as he showcased his incredible skills once again.
Moving on, we have the legendary Richie McCaw from New Zealand. McCaw is widely regarded as one of the greatest rugby players of all time, and he’s still going strong. After retiring from international rugby in 2015, McCaw took a break from the sport before returning to play for the Christchurch club, the Crusaders, in 2016. He played for them until 2019, helping the team secure three Super Rugby titles. McCaw’s leadership and incredible work ethic continue to inspire players around the world.
Our fourth player on the list is none other than George Smith from Australia. This Australian flanker has had an illustrious career, playing for both the Wallabies and various club teams. After retiring from international rugby in 2013, Smith continued to play for club teams in England, France, and Japan. In 2020, at the age of 39, he made a surprising return to the field, signing with the Queensland Reds for the Super Rugby AU competition. Smith’s experience and skill make him a valuable asset to any team he plays for.
Last but certainly not least, we have the incredible Sergio Parisse from Italy. Parisse, known for his exceptional skills as a number eight, has been a key player for both the Italian national team and his club teams. After retiring from international rugby in 2019, Parisse joined the French club Toulon, where he played until 2021. But retirement didn’t last long for this rugby superstar. In 2022, he made a comeback, signing with the Argentinian franchise, the Jaguares, for the Super Rugby competition. At 38 years old, Parisse continues to amaze fans with his strength and agility.
And there you have it, folks – five rugby players who are still kicking ass on the field. These guys may not be in the limelight anymore, but they’re showing us that age is just a number. So, the next time you watch a rugby match, keep an eye out for these legends. They’re still making waves and proving that rugby is a sport that never gets old.