37-year-old Rory Kockett shows he still has it in Top 14

South African-born French international scrumhalf Rory Kockett has been around the block a few times.

The now 37-year-old made his top-flight rugby debut for the Golden Lions in 2006 before switching allegiances to the Sharks in 2007.

After four years in Durban, Kockott returned to Johannesburg for one more season with the Lions in 2011 before departing South African shores for French Rugby.

Joining Top 14 outfit Castres Olympique, the scrumhalf would go on to become a stalwart for the club, making 219 appearances and scoring 1297 points during his 11-year run with the club.

Retiring at the end of last season, the 11 times capped French international looked set to move onto the next phase of his professional life.

However, his retirement would be short-lived as Parisian side Stade Francais came calling as they suffered a mini-crisis in the number nine shirt.

Having recruited All Black Brad Webber to compete with 23-year-old Hugo Zabalza, Stade looked to be covered in the position.

An injury to Zabalza and a delay in arrival from Webber saw Kockott get the call as cover as a short-term signing.

Nine rounds in and Kockott continues to produce for the team, who currently sit in 5th position on the league table.

Showing his full box of tricks in last week’s 27 – 12 demolition of champions Toulouse, Kockott further reminded fans there is plenty of juice left in his legs.

Initially breaking around the ruck, Kockott had Toulouse defenders clutching at ghosts as he swerved his way towards the try line.

Making that initial break, Kockott then found support runners who did the rest for what was a well-taken score.

3-2-1… Décollage des fusées parisiennes 🚀

Quel travail de Rory Kockott puis de Léo Barré pour inscrire le dernier essai de cette belle victoire face au Stade Toulousain 👏#TOP14 pic.twitter.com/4RRHVIazus

— TOP 14 Rugby (@top14rugby) December 5, 2023