Transfers. Top 14 – Emmanuel Meafou (Toulouse), extension in sight

For several seasons, Stade Toulouse have made a habit of locking out their big players more than a year before their contract expires. That from the second row Emmanuel Meafou (25 years old), became a French international during the last 6 nations tournament, expires in June 2025. But, as suggested in these columns on January 15, his case had logically been prioritized by the Haut-Garonne leaders. Of course, the unique profile leaves no club indifferent. But the person in question has always declared his intention to settle long-term in Ernest-Wallon, where he arrived at the end of 2018.

The Australian, who was also eligible for New Zealand and Samoa, has never hidden his strong desire to play for the Blues. He also acquired a French passport in recent months. and his international future lies in the Top 14. Three weeks ago he delivered a true declaration of love to Stade Toulouse in Olympic dinner : “I hope to stay here my whole career. We are talking about a contract, but it is a piece of paper. I want to win everything with Toulouse until the end. I feel French and from Toulouse.” A wish, obviously shared by the manager Ugo Mola and the president Didier Lacroix, who logically facilitated discussions between the various parties. These have been ongoing for some time, and according to our information, an agreement is now very close. It is clear that Meafou will continue his adventure with Rouge et Noir and may extend it until 2027.

A labor force stabilized in the long term

It would be quite a coup achieved by the reigning French champions, most of whose internationals are under contract until 2026 (Mauvaka, Flament, Aldegheri, Lebel, Mallia, Kinghorn), 2027 (Dupont, Cros, Jelonch, Baille, Ramos) or 2028 ( Marchand, Ntamack). It would come after several other important extensions this season, namely those of three-quarter center Pita Ahki (until 2026), or the gold nuggets that are hooker Guillaume Cramont (2026), third row Mathis Castro-Ferreira (2028) and three-quarter center Paul Costes (2028) ). Also following the activation of the optional year of England international flanker Jack Willis until 2025. It is clear that the decision-makers at the stadium – whose only recruitment for the next financial year until then is the definitive arrival of third row Léo Banos and who submitted a One-year extension offer to winger Setareki Bituniyata whose contract expires in June – first sought to secure their squad for the coming seasons before strengthening it.