Caucau returns to Agen

FRENCH CONNECTION: Rupeni Caucaunibuca, Fijian rugby winger, while training for Northland during an injury-hit 2013 season.PHOTO/JOHN STONE

Renegade Fijian rugby winger Rupeni Caucaunibuca has signed a fresh contract with Agen, the French club for whom he scored 65 tries in 106 games between 2004 and 2009.

At 34, the former Taniwha is going for "one last challenge" after leaving Northland - where he started his international rugby career - with just three games under his belt during a year-long stay.

He also played for the Blues.

But attitude and fitness worries - he ballooned to 120kg at one stage - have plagued him since he first left Agen.

He has even been dubbed "the best there never was", playing just seven tests for Fiji despite his enormous talent.

"I wanted to return to Agen in France because it's my club, the club of my heart with who I want to pull off one last challenge," Caucaunibuca told a media conference in France.

"I do not fear competition. The team plays very well and I want to show that a 34-year-old can still do beautiful things. I'll try to bring my experience."

Agen operated in the French second division and were desperate to return to the Top 14 League. They firmly believed Caucaunibuca could help their cause and stressed he had passed all of their medical and fitness tests.

He has been plagued by knee problems in recent years.

Caucaunibuca will have to compete with two other Fijian players, Viliame Waqaseduadua and Laitia Tagotago, and Canadian international Taylor Paris for a wing position at Agen.