Joseph Manu considers leaving French club, eyes All Black comeback

New Zealand’s rugby superstar Joseph Manu is reportedly planning to end his contract with French rugby club Racing 92 on compassionate grounds to return home and possibly join the National Rugby League.

Manu, a former centre for the Sydney Roosters, is reportedly looking for options in Australia or New Zealand, even after recently signing a contract with Racing 92. However, he is currently playing in Japan for Toyota Verblitz.

He has signed a one-year contract with the French club and is supposed to join by July to start pre-season training in August. If Manu returns to New Zealand, his possibility of making a comeback to the New Zealand national rugby team All Blacks is also on the cards.


Manu, a two-time premiership winner, left All Blacks in 2024, planning to pursue his career as a successful cross-code convert (a term in rugby, used for moving from rugby 13-a side to rugby 15-a side).

Sydney Rooster’s coach Trent Robinson said that he always knew that Manu wanted to come home to New Zealand. Manu and Robinson had denied rumours of a possible return of the superstar to the Australian club, even though there was a higher salary cap and a possible room.

“I’m sticking in rugby,” Manu said, while dismissing those claims. “I’ve always said I’ve wanted to play for the All Blacks. It’s always been a goal or a dream since I was a kid”, he added.

NZ Warriors CEO Cameron George has also expressed interest in taking Manu.

Racing Club 92 is in 11th position in the French rugby league and is facing possible relegation. Manu can obtain a release from his contract before June 30, 2025, and can then get an entry into the NRL as a free agent.