Promising Young Back-Row Player Set to Join Brother in Var as He Departs CA Brive for Rugby Move to Toulon Area

Tana Keletaona joins brother Luka at RC Toulon in Top 14 move

RC Toulon has officially signed promising young third-row Tana Keletaona from CA Brive, the club confirmed on Wednesday, April 22, 2026. The 18-year-old France Under-20 international will join his brother, fly-half Luka Keletaona, at the Stade Mayol for the next three seasons.

The announcement came shortly after Luka’s own move to Toulon was made public earlier this spring. Both players developed through the ranks at CA Brive in France’s second division, Pro D2, before making the step up to Top 14 together.

“Rejoining Toulon is an immense pride. It’s a historic club with a strong identity and passionate fans. I want to progress, learn from the experienced players in the group, and supply everything for this jersey,” Tana Keletaona said in a statement released by the club. “Being reunited with my brother will certainly make this adventure even more special.”

Toulon’s sporting director Laurent Emmanuelli praised the young flanker’s potential, noting the club had monitored his development for an extended period. “Tana is a young player we’ve been following for a long time. He possesses obvious athletic qualities, but also a competitor’s temperament. At 18, he still has plenty of time ahead of him to grow,” Emmanuelli added.

Brotherly reunion strengthens Toulon’s back row

The Keletaona brothers’ arrival represents a significant investment in youth for Toulon, which continues to rebuild its squad with a blend of promising talent and established performers. Luka, who plays fly-half, had already committed to the Var-based club before his younger brother’s signing was finalized.

From Instagram — related to Toulon, Keletaona

Having played alongside each other at CA Brive, the brothers now bring their familiarity and on-field chemistry to one of France’s most storied rugby clubs. Toulon, a four-time Heineken Cup champion, has consistently competed for Top 14 honors in recent seasons.

For CA Brive, the departure marks another chapter in the club’s ongoing player development cycle. The Pro D2 side has recently announced its recruitment for the upcoming season, focusing on maintaining competitiveness while continuing to nurture young talent capable of attracting interest from top-flight clubs.

What this means for Toulon’s 2026-27 campaign

Tana Keletaona’s signing adds depth to Toulon’s back-row options as they prepare for the rigors of both Top 14 and European competition. While still raw at 18 years old, his international experience with France’s age-grade teams suggests he has the temperament to adapt quickly to professional rugby’s physical demands.

What this means for Toulon's 2026-27 campaign
Toulon Keletaona Tana

The timing of his arrival allows for a full preseason to integrate with the squad under head coach Pierre Mignoni’s guidance. Toulon will look to balance immediate competitiveness with long-term squad building, and the Keletaona brothers embody that dual approach.

As Top 14 clubs finalize their rosters ahead of the new season, Toulon’s acquisition of promising young French talent signals continued ambition to remain among France’s elite while investing in the next generation.

The brothers will aim to make their combined debut for Toulon in preseason friendlies before the Top 14 campaign begins later this summer. Fans can follow their progress through the club’s official channels as preparations continue for the 2026-27 season.

Stay tuned to Archysport for ongoing coverage of Top 14 transfers, team news, and match analysis throughout the rugby season.

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Editor-in-Chief

Editor-in-Chief

Daniel Richardson is the Editor-in-Chief of Archysport, where he leads the editorial team and oversees all published content across nine sport verticals. With over 15 years in sports journalism, Daniel has reported from the FIFA World Cup, the Olympic Games, NFL Super Bowls, NBA Finals, and Grand Slam tennis tournaments. He previously served as Senior Sports Editor at Reuters and holds a Master's degree in Journalism from Columbia University. Recognized by the Sports Journalists' Association for excellence in reporting, Daniel is a member of the International Sports Press Association (AIPS). His editorial philosophy centers on accuracy, depth, and fair coverage — ensuring every story published on Archysport meets the highest standards of sports journalism.

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