Ma'a Nonu becomes a Blue
All Blacks and former Hurricanes midfielder Ma’a Nonu has signed with the Blues after committing to New Zealand rugby for two more seasons.
Nonu, 29, today confirmed speculation he would be moving north after being axed by the Hurricanes for being a disruptive element in the view of coach Mark Hammett.
The blockbusting second five-eighth will also take a playing ‘sabbatical’ from New Zealand rugby at the end of this year, joining the Ricoh Black Rams in Japan’s Top League competition for several months before returning to New Zealand for next year’s Super Rugby competition.
This follows a similar move by All Blacks first five-eighth Dan Carter at French club Perpignan in 2008-09.
Nonu was delighted to be leaving offshore after receiving a wealth of offers to leave.
“I’m happy that I’m continuing my career in New Zealand and would like to thank the Blues for giving me the opportunity to join them,” he said in a statement.
“I was flattered and grateful to receive offers to play for other teams as well but the Blues was the best option for me and my family and I’m really looking forward to joining them next year.”
Nonu was non-committal about what province he would represent next year and didn’t want to discuss the issue.
NZRU chief executive Steve Tew welcomed 29-year-old Nonu’s decision to stay in New Zealand.
“Ma’a is an outstanding, world-class player who has been committed to New Zealand rugby for the best part of a decade, and for him to commit further is fantastic news.
“We have said that we will look to be flexible when it comes to re-contracting our leading players and we think giving him the chance to play in Japan is another example of that flexibility.
“With the rugby season finishing earlier than normal this year we were happy to provide Ma’a with a one-off opportunity to have a Japanese rugby experience without overly compromising his commitment to the Blues.”
Blues Coach Pat Lam said: “It’s no secret there was a lot of interest in securing Ma’a by teams both locally and around the world. He is a quality player so it’s great news for the Blues that he has chosen our team in which to continue his impressive rugby career.”
Nonu has played 56 tests and 110 Super Rugby matches for the Hurricanes since his Wellington provincial debut in 2002.
He has gained a reputation as a supreme linebreaker and has been a key part of the All Blacks since controversially missing selection for the 2007 World Cup.
Nonu joins a growing group of current and recent All Blacks who have recommitted to New Zealand rugby after this year’s World Cup, including captain Richie McCaw and playmaker Daniel Carter, hookers Keven Mealamu, Corey Flynn and Hikawera Elliot, props Tony Woodcock, Ben Franks and Wyatt Crockett, locks Ali Williams, Anthony Boric, Tom Donnelly and Sam Whitelock, loose forwards Jerome Kaino, Kieran Read, Daniel Braid, Liam Messam and Victor Vito, and backs Jimmy Cowan, Alby Mathewson, Colin Slade, Conrad Smith, Benson Stanley, Ben Smith, Israel Dagg and Aaron Cruden.
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