Meafou commits to Toulouse until 2032 with five-year extension despite rival interest

Emmanuel Meafou has signed a five-year contract extension with Toulouse, committing the France lock to the club until 2032 — a year beyond Antoine Dupont’s current deal — after reported interest from Stade Français failed to lure him away.

The 28-year-old was due to come out of contract next summer, but has instead chosen to remain at Stade Ernest-Wallon, where he has spent his entire European career since joining from Australia in 2019. The length of the extension is unusual by modern standards and signals just how central Meafou has become to Toulouse’s long-term planning.

“At Toulouse, we started our family. This is home, so we’re staying home,” Meafou said in a video published by the club alongside his partner and two children.

Since arriving in France, Meafou has accumulated two European titles and five Top 14 crowns with Toulouse. He has also established himself as a fixture in the France setup since becoming eligible in 2023, earning 18 caps and featuring in both their 2025 and 2026 Six Nations title-winning campaigns.

The announcement comes while Meafou is sidelined with a serious knee injury sustained against Vannes in September. He ruptured the lateral ligament in his left knee and is not expected to return before the start of 2027.

Despite his absence, the extension represents a significant piece of business for Toulouse at a time of considerable squad upheaval. Thomas Ramos is set to depart for Racing 92 at the end of the season, while François Cros is due to join Lyon. Meafou’s long-term commitment provides stability as the club navigates another major turnover.

Further contract decisions remain unresolved, with Anthony Jelonch, Cyril Baille, and Dorian Aldegheri among the players whose futures still need to be determined as Toulouse continue planning beyond the current campaign.