Caleb Muntz poised to join Top 14 hopefuls

Fijian superstar Caleb Muntz is close to making a surprising switch to France, with the fly-half set to join Pro D2 side Provence at the end of this year’s Super Rugby Pacific season.

As French outlet Midi Olympique reported, Caleb Muntz is about to sign a two-year contract with his new club, but Stade Français and Stade Rochelais are still tracking the 13-cap international, and a change of destination can still happen.

This will be Muntz’s first experience abroad, having represented the Fijian Drua franchise for the past four Super Rugby Pacific seasons. Raised and developed by the Hamilton Boys’ High School, the utility back quickly rose as a spectacular talent. He qualifies to play for Fiji through the grandparent ruling.

The 25-year-old played his first senior Test Match for Fiji in July 2023 and would proceed to help his country beat England at Twickenham in August. Unfortunately for the Flying Fijians, Muntz sustained a knee injury and missed the entirety of the 2023 World Cup.

Muntz recovered and made a sensational return to action, helping Fiji to win another Pacific Nations Cup and beat Wales in Cardiff for the first time with a Player of the Match performance.

Muntz will be Provence’s sixth new signing for the upcoming season, not knowing if they will play in the Pro D2 or Top 14. Provence currently trails in third place and is expected to qualify for the Pro D2 promotion playoffs.

He will enrich a roster packed with high-level quality players, joining George North, Teimana Harrison, Izack Rodda, Sébastien Taofifenua, Ned Hanigan and Kapeli Pifelet. Provence announced last June the arrival of Philippe Saint-André as the new Director of Rugby in an attempt to reshape the club’s destiny.

Jimmy Gopperth and Jules Plisson are currently Provence’s two main options for the fly-half role, but the New Zealander is expected to retire after this season, opening the door for Muntz to be signed.