All Blacks great Ma’a Nonu is making a shock return to Super Rugby after signing a one-year deal with the Blues.
The veteran inside centre, 36, will end a three-year stint with French club Toulon to play under long-time friend and mentor Tana Umaga.
Nonu retired from Test rugby after New Zealand defended their World Cup crown in 2015, ending a 103-Test career which featured 31 tries.
He wanted to return to New Zealand for the sake of his wife Andrea and three children and will take up a third stint at the Blues, having played there in 2012 and 2014.
His other Super Rugby ties were nine seasons at the Hurricanes and one with the Highlanders in 2013.
Umaga said Nonu will bring crucial experience to a Blues backline which he conceded was too youthful as they crashed to a 14th-placed finish in 2018, winning just four of 16 games.
Nonu’s arrival should mean speedster Rieko Ioane isn’t needed as often in the midfield and can play on the wing where he is most effective, Umaga added.
Nonu said he was grateful for the opportunity to resume a Super Rugby career that began in 2003.
“Hopefully next year will be a year to build and to be successful. That is the challenge I am looking forward to.
“I know the Blues have had some tough times in the last few seasons but I am excited to play with some of the young and up-and-coming players who will have long careers and rejuvenate this place.”
Despite their resources and large catchment area, the Blues haven’t reached the Super Rugby play-offs since 2011.
Puff
Guest
Nonu at 36 probably still has the skills, desire and the ability to tame most opposing back lines but father time is not his friend. To be fair, he did his best work in the black jersey with Smith at his side. Among NZ super teams the Blues must be a challenge to their supporters, they offer much but deliver little. Is there a cultural divide within the franchisers as numerous players have departed the Blues and their career blossomed? In my humble judgment the Blues administration remind me of our ARU, perhaps the issue is the boardroom. Umaga has an impeccable resume but continues to be a disappointing coach. Nonu’s best option would be reserve player and their backline attack and defensive coach.
stainlesssteve
Guest
I'll be watching to see if he is still so tough to tackle. That's what I most enjoyed about him. If he can break the line, his loss of speed will be less a factor. Auckland teams have been suffering from some mysterious malaise for a few years, including the Warriors. Too much wifi in the cappuccino?
taylorman
Roar Guru
well I dont really follow it that closely, just saw a few big scores. three out of four so far are thrashings regardless.
Julz
Guest
Are you a Blues fan? If not, then why bother!!!!
Julz
Guest
If only they signed Quade Cooper as well. The team desperately needs a good no.10. But welcome back Nonu. Hopefully this will bring that winning feeling back.
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
I guess Mark you know more than Hansen who doesn’t believe e SBW is past it. Perhaps you should throw your name in the hat for selector coach of the All Blacks.
Mark
Guest
I think you'll find the issue is Identification They prefer Brain Dead Boofheads in the Blues as opposed to those with Rugby Smarts Thats why so many play for Canterbury/Otago/Chiefs/Highlanders and make the AB's Whereas the Blues have morons in the Forwards and Dumbarses in the Backs
Mark
Guest
I like your optimism However... Tana is the coach - he's out of his depth Nonu is past it (as is SBW) The Blues Forward Pack is made of Blamonge The Blues will be lucky to go as well as they did this year
Boomeranga
Guest
Quite a few Auckland born players in Australian super rugby squads but I don't know that many would fit the description of being an Auckland trained. Kepu (Tahs) and Simone (now Brumbies) would. Reds and Rebels might have more but I don't know the backgrounds of their squads so much as NSW or ACT.
P2R2
Roar Rookie
This is what you get with a Coach who is really grasping at straws...NONU...really Tana...? I so hope the Blues get dusted next SR and it will be bye-bye Tana....and he can take Nonu with him....how illogically pathetic.
Bluesfan
He will be 37 or about to turn 37 when Super Rugby kicks off - so I do question if he will have the speed to play Super rugby and players at that age do tend to get injured. However he is probably one of the all time midfield greats for the AB's and so should be a great asset in bring through players like Perofeta etc.
Ben
Guest
"The Auckland side is thrashing all at mitre 10 .." Theyve only played 4 games. Beat a poor Counties by 4 points. Nortland who are in the Championship div 28-12, Waikato also in Championship div 35-17. The only score of note is Tasman 36-10. Hardly thrashing all.
taylorman
Roar Guru
Cheika mentions AACs return as a possible world cup return yet Nonus return at annalbeit slightly higher age is not even mentioned, even though its probable he would still coast through section play and probably be ok in the knockouts. The nonu sbw blues midfield could cause a stir next year as i think this time we will start knocking sides over. The Auckland side is thrashing all at mitre 10 level so hopefully the henry inspired presence will push onto the Blues. Good year to come back too with most eyes on the world cup. Blues just might surprise through the side door. 2019s gonna be a good year????
taylorman
Roar Guru
You are absolutely kidding me. Do your research. Auckland nurtures, grows and develops players better than anyone, anywhere. Their issue is retaining them. The NRL Super rugby and the north snap up our young before they get anywhere near the Blues. What do we do, pay hundreds of budding aucklandersvat 16,17 to just stay innAuckland and wait? Check out all the NRL squads the oz super rugby sides... auckland trained rugby players galore. You got a solution to that Adam?
mania
Guest
nah this is a brilliant idea. this imo is more a case of nonu being there to help mentor all the young stars they have and get them on track. ironic really, but then if anyone knows about going off the rails and then getting redemption, its nonu
adam smith
Guest
No offence to Ma’a, but this is another example of Auckland & the Blues shocking inability to identify, nurture & grow, up-&-coming local junior talent. This is just another blight on the poor decision making from the Blues board.
The Neutral View From Sweden
Roar Guru
Will be interesting if Nonu plays down the house in SR.
Ben
Guest
Nonu used to play centre and wing. So hes not just a 12, however I cant see them playing him on the wing. But hes had plenty of experience at centre.
taylorman
Roar Guru
Yea its an odd one, at 36 and not a great past with non ab or canes sides. Interesting I guess. Hoping some of the current winning Auckland side rubs off too. Geez theyre going well...henry magic?
Jacko
Guest
it makes me wonder where he will play....SBW is also a 12 but can play 13 where Nonu is a 12 only