When Ma’a Nonu first burst onto the international rugby scene as a fresh-faced 20-year-old, many predicted he had a bright future. Just how impressive the next 22 years would be, however, was beyond anyone’s belief.
As a hard-running winger at the time, Nonu crafted his trade in the New Zealand National Provincial Championship with his boyhood side Wellington, before immersing himself in the heart of the Hurricanes midfield in what was then the Super 12 competition.
Over the next ten years, Nonu would become one of the greatest players in world rugby, turning out almost 150 times for the Hurricanes, before various stints in Japan and other Super Rugby teams in New Zealand.
He would also become part of arguably the greatest team of all time, winning two consecutive World Cups with the All Blacks in 2011 and 2015, forming a formidable centre partnership with the incredibly intelligent, Conrad Smith.
Following his World Cup-winning exploits, Nonu headed north to sunny France, joining the ‘galacticos’ of the treble Champions Cup-winning Toulon. Despite verging on his later playing years, Nonu had a prosperous time in the south of France, becoming a fan favourite until his exit in 2021.
Nonu’s next move was to America where he would play for San Diego Legion, a location he would relish, gathering a whole new demographic of fans. Many expected the two-time World Cup winner to fade into relative obscurity at this point – maybe take up a coaching role or veer into punditry like many of his former teammates.
While the great man is trying his hand at both of those vocations, fading into obscurity is not on his radar. In fact, just a month ago, the 42-year-old confirmed that he was returning to Toulon as a player-coach in the midst of an injury crisis.
Although a return to 1st division French Rugby seemed unlikely, the ageing centre proved even his most hardened doubters wrong. On Saturday, during a Top 14 game against Castrez, Nonu came off the bench to become the oldest-ever Top 14 player at 42 years and 311 days.
Sporting number 20 on his back, the legendary centre had a huge impact on his return. He made two huge carries – being caught just short of the line on both occasions – and even assisted a try with a pinpoint zipped pass to his outside man, Jiuta Wainiqolo, to score in the corner.
Sadly for Nonu and his teammates, Castrez defeated Toulon 28-26 at the Stade Pierre Fabre.
Fans have been full of praise for the former All Black star, with Ben Herring saying on Linkedin: “This is fantastic. He is a great pro and top man. It’s a lesson in how to look after your body”, whilst another added: “Absolute legend! I remember watching him as a boy in Super Rugby live in South Africa, I’d always feel sorry for his opposite number as it was crunch time for them”
Just recently Nonu’s former club, San Diego Legion announced that the star had become a part of their ownership group, with Nonu saying: “I’m honoured to take this next step with the San Diego Legion,” said Nonu. “This club and its fans have meant a great deal to me during my time as a player. I believe in the vision of growing rugby in the United States, and I’m excited to contribute to the future of the Legion both on and off the field.”
The great man is set to dominate the rugby world for years to come, yet.
Written by Jack Tunney – @ JackTunneyRugby
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