Ma’a Nonu

Ma’a Nonu

New Zealand New ZealandathleteMaleb. 19826.7Global Dominance: 0.00%

Ma’a Nonu is a former New Zealand rugby union player, renowned for his powerful and dynamic playing style as a centre. A key figure in the All Blacks' success, Nonu was instrumental in New Zealand's victories at the 2011 and 2015 Rugby World Cups. Born on May 21, 1982, in Wellington, Nonu's career spanned over a decade at the international level, where he earned over 100 caps for the All Blacks. His ability to break tackles, coupled with exceptional passing and defensive skills, made him one of the top players in his position. After a successful international career, he continued to play professionally in various leagues around the world, including stints in Super Rugby and overseas clubs, leaving a lasting legacy in the sport.

Power1,887
Reach43,321

Country presence

Recent news mentions

Ma’a Nonu will spend the next few months in Durban as part of a high-performance mentorship programme designed to accelerate the development of the club’s next generation of players.

All Blacks v Sharks: Ma’a Nonu responds to All Blacks haka before tour match in Durban
The New Zealand Herald – country’s largest newspaper, est. 1863·New ZealandNew Zealand· 2026-08-11
8.0

Ma’a Nonu last represented the All Blacks 11 years ago, when he helped New Zealand win the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

All Blacks v Sharks live updates: Luke Jacobson leads side in second tour match
The New Zealand Herald – country’s largest newspaper, est. 1863·New ZealandNew Zealand· 2026-08-11
8.0

Ma’a Nonu is listed as a player for the Sharks.

All Blacks v Sharks: Kickoff times, how to watch – all you need to know
The New Zealand Herald – country’s largest newspaper, est. 1863·New ZealandNew Zealand· 2026-08-10
6.0

Ma’a Nonu was named on the bench for the Sharks after signing with the South African side as a player mentor.

All Blacks v Sharks: Durban match tickets remain slow to sell
The New Zealand Herald – country’s largest newspaper, est. 1863·New ZealandNew Zealand· 2026-08-10
8.0

The All Blacks have brought in the propping combination of Ethan de Groot and Fletcher Newell, first-choice openside flanker Luke Jacobson – who will captain the team – while the entire starting backline has been changed.

Winners & Losers: A Warrior’s redemption and All Blacks’ cause for concern in South Africa - Christopher Reive
The New Zealand Herald – country’s largest newspaper, est. 1863·New ZealandNew Zealand· 2026-08-10
6.0

Ma’a Nonu, a 44-year-old, is on the bench for the Sharks.

All Blacks’ flawed Stormers win shows work needed before Sharks clash – Paul Lewis
The New Zealand Herald – country’s largest newspaper, est. 1863·New ZealandNew Zealand· 2026-08-10
5.0

Nonu will become the oldest man to play against the All Blacks and join a select crew who have both played for and against the national team.

Ma’a Nonu’s Sharks selection raises questions over All Blacks clash
The New Zealand Herald – country’s largest newspaper, est. 1863·New ZealandNew Zealand· 2026-08-09
5.0

Ma’a Nonu’s return adds drama to the Ranfurly Shield challenge.

Otago v Canterbury: Live updates from Ranfurly Shield challenge in Dunedin
The New Zealand Herald – country’s largest newspaper, est. 1863·New ZealandNew Zealand· 2026-08-09
7.0

Ma’a Nonu is set to debut for the South African franchise off the bench.

All Blacks survive Stormers scare to open South Africa tour with win
The New Zealand Herald – country’s largest newspaper, est. 1863·New ZealandNew Zealand· 2026-08-07
7.0

Ma’a Nonu was key to the All Black team during the 2015 World Cup.

All Blacks: Richie McCaw’s men rated above current Springboks by British rugby writers
The New Zealand Herald – country’s largest newspaper, est. 1863·New ZealandNew Zealand· 2025-10-29
7.0

Ma’a Nonu is compared to Leicester Fainga’anuku for his power on the field.

All Blacks Grand Slam second only to the Rugby World Cup: Phil Gifford
The New Zealand Herald – country’s largest newspaper, est. 1863·New ZealandNew Zealand· 2025-10-27
8.0

Ma’a Nonu is a two-time World Cup winner and a centurion for the All Blacks, currently playing for Toulon in France.

All Blacks centurion Ma’a Nonu appears in 100th match for French Top 14 side Toulon
The New Zealand Herald – country’s largest newspaper, est. 1863·New ZealandNew Zealand· 2025-10-22
9.0

Former All Blacks centre Ma’a Nonu, who lifted the 2015 Webb Ellis trophy alongside Kerr-Barlow, celebrated his 43rd birthday in May.

Ex-All Black Tawera Kerr-Barlow ready to face old side La Rochelle in Top 14
The New Zealand Herald – country’s largest newspaper, est. 1863·New ZealandNew Zealand· 2025-10-10
8.0
Also mentioned
Tawera Kerr Barlow
Tawera Kerr Barlow

That’s partly why Ma’a Nonu is still playing for Toulon at 43.

All Blacks vs Springboks: Scott Robertson builds selection options ahead of 2027 Rugby World Cup
The New Zealand Herald – country’s largest newspaper, est. 1863·New ZealandNew Zealand· 2025-09-10
8.0

Similar to Ma’a Nonu/Conrad Smith combo.

All Blacks’ squad depth analysed after French series sweep
The New Zealand Herald – country’s largest newspaper, est. 1863·New ZealandNew Zealand· 2025-07-22
5.0

Ma’a Nonu is referenced as a comparison for Tavatavanawai's skills in rugby.

All Blacks v France: Scott Robertson’s vision takes shape in Wellington – Phil Gifford
The New Zealand Herald – country’s largest newspaper, est. 1863·New ZealandNew Zealand· 2025-07-13
7.0

Ma’a Nonu scored a try in the final, showcasing his talent.

Ranking every Super Rugby final from worst to best
The New Zealand Herald – country’s largest newspaper, est. 1863·New ZealandNew Zealand· 2025-06-20
8.0

Ma'a Nonu, the legendary All-Blacks player, scored a powerful try at the age of 43 during the match.

"J'ai un regret, je n'ai jamais joué avec lui": Pierre Mignoni et les joueurs du RCT rendent hommage à la légende Ma'a Nonu
Monaco-Matin – newspaper covering the Principality of Monaco·MonacoMonaco· 2025-06-15
9.0

Timoci Tavatavanawai offers the solidity and many of the skills that another man who went from wing to second five, Ma’a Nonu, did in the 2011 and 2015 World Cup-winning All Black teams.

Super Rugby Pacific: All Blacks jersey surely beckons for Timoci Tavatavanawai, despite Highlanders’ failures - Phil Gifford
The New Zealand Herald – country’s largest newspaper, est. 1863·New ZealandNew Zealand· 2025-06-01
8.0

Ma'a Nonu contributed to a memorable try in the 2015 Rugby World Cup final.

On The Up: Counting down the Top 100 Kiwi sporting moments of the past 25 years: 20-1
The New Zealand Herald – country’s largest newspaper, est. 1863·New ZealandNew Zealand· 2025-04-13
8.0

Ma’a Nonu is making a comeback in rugby at the age of 42.

Chris Rattue’s Winners & Losers: The Warriors’ weakness is there for all to see
The New Zealand Herald – country’s largest newspaper, est. 1863·New ZealandNew Zealand· 2025-03-03
8.0

Ma’a Nonu returns to Toulon at 42 and is believed to be ready for the rigours of the Top 14.

All Blacks great Ma’a Nonu returns to Toulon at 42
The New Zealand Herald – country’s largest newspaper, est. 1863·New ZealandNew Zealand· 2025-02-25
8.0
Also mentioned
Mignoni
Mignoni

Ma'a Nonu is making an improbable return to the Top 14 at the age of 42 after previously being a double world champion with the All Blacks.

Ma’a Nonu à Toulon, le retour improbable en Top 14 d’un double champion du monde de 42 ans
Le Monde·FranceFrance· 2025-02-25
9.0

Ma’a Nonu is referenced as a comparison for Tavatavanawai's skills and performance.

Super Rugby Pacific: Blues struggle, Chiefs shine; seven talking points from week two - Phil Gifford
The New Zealand Herald – country’s largest newspaper, est. 1863·New ZealandNew Zealand· 2025-02-23
9.0