{"id":822758,"date":"2026-07-25T10:27:09","date_gmt":"2026-07-25T10:27:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/822758\/"},"modified":"2026-07-25T10:27:09","modified_gmt":"2026-07-25T10:27:09","slug":"maa-nonu-all-blacks-legend-reveals-why-he-has-signed-for-the-sharks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/822758\/","title":{"rendered":"Ma’a Nonu: All Blacks legend reveals why he has signed for the Sharks"},"content":{"rendered":"

Ma\u2019a Nonu has revealed why he has signed a short-term deal to join the Sharks<\/a> in a mentorship and leadership capacity.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Ma\u2019a Nonu explains Sharks move<\/p>\n

He added that the city, and the chance to work with JP Pietersen<\/a>, whom he squared off against during his All Blacks<\/a> and Super Rugby career, and the Sharks\u2019 emerging talent, made this an easy decision.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Sharks<\/a> are one of the world\u2019s most iconic rugby clubs, and Durban has always been a special place for me to travel to,\u201d Nonu<\/a> said.<\/p>\n

\u201cOne of my earliest away matches in Super Rugby was played here, and I\u2019ve carried fond memories of this city and its passionate rugby fans ever since.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have immense respect for JP. We competed against each other for many years, and I\u2019m looking forward to working with him and the team.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is a great opportunity to give back to the game. Working alongside the future stars of our sport is exciting, and I\u2019m looking forward to doing everything I can to help the club during my time there.\u201d<\/p>\n

All Blacks legend Ma\u2019a Nonu makes bombshell South African move, signing for the Sharks<\/a><\/p>\n

The Springboks who should be \u2018disappointed\u2019 after Rassie Erasmus\u2019 squad announcement as Nick Mallett offers theory for controversial snub<\/a><\/p>\n

JP Pietersen\u2019s verdict<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

The statement from the Sharks added that \u201cNonu\u2019s arrival reinforces the club\u2019s commitment to developing world-class talent in a high-performance environment, and his stint will benefit the club well beyond his short-term stay.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ex-All Black getting \u2018nostalgic\u2019 watching Dave Rennie\u2019s side as Springboks will be \u2018run off their feet\u2019<\/a><\/p>\n

Head coach Pietersen added: \u201cThe best players don\u2019t just leave memories, they leave standards. That\u2019s what Ma\u2019a brings. Every conversation, every training session and every interaction is an opportunity for our players to learn what excellence looks like.\u201d<\/p>\n

Want more from Planet Rugby? Add us as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list<\/a> for world-class coverage you can trust.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

READ MORE:\u00a0Nick Mallett: Why Argentina is a \u2018massive game\u2019 for Eben Etzebeth and other Springboks<\/a><\/p>\n

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