Arriving in 2019 in the harbor, Duncan Paia’aua established himself as an indisputable starter under Patrice Collazo and Franck Azéma. And if he had quite a few problems, Pierre Mignoni often trusted him as well. The best proof? In 77 appearances with the RCT, “Dunk” started… 76 times.
Stats which prove that a 100% Paia’aua cannot be anywhere other than on the meadow. Except that since his return from the 2023 World Cup, the Samoan international (29 years old, 12 caps) has not always shown himself in an excellent light. Between injuries and checkered performances, the center naturally fell back in the hierarchy, to the point of missing the last play-off against La Rochelle (Maëlan Rabut had been preferred). But while his contract ends next June, the future of the versatile Paia’aua is more than uncertain.
Will the RCT decide to extend a non-jiff player, not always 100% but capable, if he decides to put his head back in place, of establishing himself as one of the best number 12s in the championship, to regulate the Toulon attack line and to help out, if necessary, in 13 or 15? In any case, the player wants to do everything to convince the Toulon leaders that he still has good years ahead of him.
You are at the end of your contract next June. Are you playing your fifth and final season in Toulon?
The decision has not been made. I haven’t spoken with the club yet. Nothing is done one way or the other. You know, since I arrived at Toulon in 2019, I have never been on the transfer market. I know that clubs have sometimes come to inquire, but it has never gone further. Is this an opportunity for me to see what I’m worth? Maybe, but in reality, I really want to stay in Toulon. I love Toulon, it’s my home. If the club offers me an extension, I don’t see how I could refuse.
The Jiff problem means that clubs can only count on non-Jiffs who bring enormous added value. Is it a challenge for you to show that you can become indispensable again?
I work every day to progress, to help the team, to find my best rugby. I want to show the club that I deserve to stay, that I still have a lot to bring to this group.
Have you given yourself a “deadline” date to decide on your future?
All players like to know quickly what they will be doing next year. It’s uncomfortable, I think about it a lot to be honest, especially in the evening when I leave Campus. So I would like to be fixed quickly. I will ask to meet the leaders very soon.
If the RCT chose not to offer you an extension, what would be your preferred options? England, Japan, Australia? Rugby league?
I haven’t thought about it, because the priority for me is to know if Toulon is counting on me for the future. If this is no longer the case, I will ask myself the question at that time, but I will obviously not close any doors.
