Ma'a Nonu is heading to Durban. The 44-year-old two-time World Cup winner has signed a short-term deal with the Sharks in a mentoring and leadership role, joining a club the All Blacks are due to face on their tour of South Africa in the coming weeks.
Nonu, who won 103 caps and lifted the Webb Ellis Cup in 2011 and 2015, will spend the next few months working alongside Sharks head coach -- and former Springbok wing -- JP Pietersen, passing on his experience to the Durban club's emerging talent. His professional career has spanned more than two decades and seven clubs.
"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 in a statement released by the club. "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."
Nonu and Pietersen were rivals for years across the international and Super Rugby divide, and the New Zealander said the chance to reunite with his old opponent sealed the move.
"I have immense respect for JP," Nonu said. "We competed against each other for many years, and I'm looking forward to working with him and the team."
Sharks chief executive Shaun Bryans described the signing as a rare opportunity to expose the squad to a serial winner.
"Opportunities for someone of Ma'a's calibre to spend time in our environment don't come around often," Bryans said. "While his achievements on the field are exceptional, it is his professionalism, leadership and understanding of what it takes to consistently perform at the highest level that makes this such an exciting opportunity for our club."
Pietersen, who forged a long relationship with Nonu during their playing days, expects that influence to reach well beyond the training paddock.
"The best players don't just leave memories, they leave standards. That's what Ma'a brings," Pietersen said. "Every conversation, every training session and every interaction is an opportunity for our players to learn what excellence looks like."
The timing is pointed. The Sharks are one of four South African URC franchises the All Blacks will meet before their Test series against the Springboks, meaning Nonu could soon be helping to prepare a side to face his old team.
