Ma’a Nonu has revealed why he has signed a short-term deal to join the Sharks in a mentorship and leadership capacity.
The 44-year-old double Rugby World Cup-winning former All Black will lend his experience to the Durban-based side, who announced his signature on Saturday morning.
In a statement released by the Sharks, Nonu explained that he wants to give back to the game that has given him so much over his professional career, which spans over 24 years and has seen him represent seven different clubs.
Ma’a Nonu explains Sharks move
He added that the city, and the chance to work with JP Pietersen, whom he squared off against during his All Blacks and Super Rugby career, and the Sharks’ emerging talent, made this an easy decision.
“The Sharks are one of the world’s most iconic rugby clubs, and Durban has always been a special place for me to travel to,” Nonu said.
“One of my earliest away matches in Super Rugby was played here, and I’ve carried fond memories of this city and its passionate rugby fans ever since.
“I have immense respect for JP. We competed against each other for many years, and I’m looking forward to working with him and the team.
“This is a great opportunity to give back to the game. Working alongside the future stars of our sport is exciting, and I’m looking forward to doing everything I can to help the club during my time there.”
All Blacks legend Ma’a Nonu makes bombshell South African move, signing for the Sharks
JP Pietersen’s verdict
Pietersen and Nonu also played together during their time at French giants RC Toulon between 2017 and 2019. The latter returned to the club for a second stint in 2025, where he became the oldest player to feature in the Top 14 and Investec Champions Cup.
The statement from the Sharks added that “Nonu’s arrival reinforces the club’s commitment to developing world-class talent in a high-performance environment, and his stint will benefit the club well beyond his short-term stay.”
Head coach Pietersen added: “The best players don’t just leave memories, they leave standards. That’s what Ma’a brings. Every conversation, every training session and every interaction is an opportunity for our players to learn what excellence looks like.”
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Nonu is the latest player to commit to the Sharks ahead of next season, following the likes of props Nemo Roelofse and Thomas du Toit, locks Stephan Lewies, Darrien Landsberg and Hendre Stassen, scrum-half Ivan van Zyl and backs Gianni Lombard, Murray Koster and Donovan Don.
The Durbanites have also signed youngsters Siphosethu Mnebelele, who captained the Junior Boks in their World Rugby Junior World Championship title defence as well as lock Sebastian Vermeulen and American Dominic Besag.
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