All Blacks legend Ma’a Nonu signs for URC club at 44
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- All Blacks legend Ma’a Nonu signs for URC club at 44 - July 25, 2026
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Still going.
At 44 years of age, Ma’a Nonu is proving that retirement can wait.
The All Blacks legend has completed a surprise move to South Africa after signing a short-term deal with the Sharks in the URC, extending one of rugby’s most remarkable careers and bringing a wealth of experience to Durban.
The two-time Rugby World Cup winner recently finished his latest spell with Toulon, where he continued to defy age by becoming the oldest player and oldest try-scorer in Top 14 history. Many expected that chapter to be his last in professional rugby, but Nonu clearly has other ideas.
Instead, the 103-Test All Black will now link up with a Sharks squad packed with Springbok talent under head coach JP Pietersen. While Nonu is expected to feature on the field when required, his arrival is also seen as a major boost for the club’s younger backs, with the New Zealand great set to play a significant mentoring role alongside his playing duties.
Few players in rugby history possess a CV to rival Nonu’s.
Across an international career spanning more than a decade, he won back-to-back Rugby World Cups with New Zealand in 2011 and 2015 and formed one of the greatest centre partnerships the game has ever seen alongside Conrad Smith. His devastating blend of power, footwork and skill made him one of the defining midfield players of the professional era.
Now, more than 20 years after making his All Blacks debut, Nonu is preparing for yet another challenge. His move is an eye-catching signing for the Sharks and another reminder that one of rugby’s all-time greats still believes he has something to offer.
Whether it’s on the pitch or helping develop the next generation, Nonu’s influence is expected to be felt long after he pulls on the famous black-and-white jersey for the first time.
