The former New Zealand captain Tana Umaga is to resume his playing career with Toulon, the struggling French side he has been managing, the club said today.

The centre, who had retired from competitive rugby two years ago, will continue in his role as manager but has also signed a player contract until the end of the season, Toulon said on their website.

The club lie bottom of the French championship table. The 35-year-old Umaga signed a two-year deal as Toulon manager last year, when they were still in the second division, after playing seven games for them in 2006.

The former France winger and captain Philippe Saint-Andre, who will step down as director of rugby at Sale at the end of the season, will take up the same role at Toulon next season, the French club also said. Saint-Andre will be followed by the France hooker Sebastien Bruno, also leaving Sale for Toulon.