Ma’a Nonu to join Blues for next two Super Rugby seasons - Rugby News
All Blacks and ex-Hurricanes wing, Ma’a Nonu, has recently signed a two-year deal with the Blues. Ma’a Nonu revealed today, July 1, that he has signed a contract with the New Zealand derby despite several handsome overseas offers.
The star player was sacked by Hurricanes coach Mark Hammett in June for his inconsistent performance in the championship. Nonu told the media that he was approached by many foreign clubs to play for them but turned down the heavy offers in the best interests
of his country. The winger said that representing the All Blacks is the biggest privilege for him. He also admitted that family ties were also one of the factors that forced him to stay inside New Zealand. Nonu further said that he has pondered many options
but finally made the correct decision to stay in his own country.
Nonu has played almost a decade of Super Rugby for the Hurricanes since his joining in 2003. He played his last season with the Hurricanes this year and was axed by the management for the poor performance in the ongoing championship. The Hurricanes ended
the season in ninth position on the tables
Nonu was delighted with his new deal and said that, “I'm excited to be signing with New Zealand again. I love playing for my country and that's one of the main reasons why I stayed. I thought about it [going overseas] a few times, but as I said before I
just can't leave New Zealand, not yet.”
He further said that playing overseas is charming but he has always preferred to stay with his national side. He added that, “It depends where you are in your career and in your life. It's a funny [feeling] when you want to move overseas, but talking to
some of the old heads, old players who have moved overseas - it's more or less letting go of your dreams and that's playing for the All Blacks.”
The Hurricanes reject was approached by the Crusaders, Chiefs and Highlanders but he chose Auckland Blues after careful consideration of all the factors in his life.
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