In a dramatic turn of events, the future of Tommaso Menoncello, the highly sought-after Italian three-quarter center, has become a hot topic in the rugby world. Recently, speculation surrounding his potential transfer to French clubs La Rochelle and Toulon has been met with a firm denial from his current club, Benetton Rugby. The 22-year-old star, who was awarded the Player of the Tournament at the 2024 Six Nations, has been linked with a move away from Treviso, but the club has made it clear that he will remain with them until at least the summer of 2026.
Menoncello's impressive performances in the United Rugby Championship (URC) and his contributions to the Italian national team have garnered attention from several Top 14 clubs. Reports indicated that La Rochelle was a likely destination for the talented center, but as the transfer rumors intensified, Benetton Rugby issued a statement categorically denying any possibility of Menoncello leaving at the end of the current season.
On May 7, 2025, Benetton Rugby released a public statement that read: "Following reports from Gazzettino di Treviso, Benetton Rugby categorically denies any hypothesis regarding a presumed departure of Tommaso Menoncello at the end of the current season. These rumors are completely unfounded. The club confirms that Menoncello, like all other players currently under contract, is bound to the club and will continue to wear the green and white jersey in the 2025/2026 season, as per the existing agreements." This statement comes amid growing interest from clubs eager to secure Menoncello's talents.
Menoncello's profile has skyrocketed following his standout performances, including scoring two tries during the Six Nations tournament against France and England. His ability to perform at such a high level has made him a prime target for clubs looking to bolster their rosters. Notably, both La Rochelle and Toulon have been reported to be keen on acquiring his services, with Toulon reportedly entering the race after La Rochelle had initially shown interest.
Despite the buzz surrounding his potential transfer, Menoncello's commitment to Benetton remains strong. He has been a key player for the club, contributing significantly to their success this season, including their historic run to the knockout stages of the Champions Cup. As Benetton prepares to face defending URC champions Glasgow in an important match, the focus remains on securing their position for the playoffs, where they currently sit in the eighth and final spot.
Menoncello's contract with Benetton extends until June 2026, and while the club has firmly stated he will not be leaving this summer, the future remains uncertain. His impressive talent and potential for growth mean that he will likely continue to attract interest from top clubs in Europe. As the rugby season progresses, fans and analysts alike will be keeping a close eye on Menoncello's performances and the potential for future transfer discussions.
In a related note, Toulon has already secured the signing of Juan Ignacio Brex, Menoncello's midfield partner for both club and country, for the upcoming season. This could further fuel speculation about Menoncello's future, as the two have developed a strong partnership on the field. However, with Benetton's firm stance, any immediate transfer appears unlikely.
As the rugby landscape continues to evolve, the situation surrounding Tommaso Menoncello highlights the complexities of player transfers and the impact of media speculation. While clubs vie for his signature, Menoncello remains focused on his current commitments with Benetton, determined to help his team achieve success in both the URC and Champions Cup.
As the season draws to a close, the drama surrounding Menoncello's future is sure to keep fans engaged. Will he remain with Benetton through the 2025/2026 season, or will the lure of the Top 14 become too strong to resist? For now, Benetton has made it clear that their star player is not going anywhere, but the world of rugby is always full of surprises.
In conclusion, as Tommaso Menoncello continues to shine on the field, his future remains a topic of great interest. With a contract in place and a commitment to Benetton Rugby, fans can expect to see more of this rising star in the seasons to come. The rugby community will be watching closely as the transfer window approaches, eager to see how this story unfolds.
