Nonu to face the All Blacks?
SOCIAL SPOTLIGHT: Former All Black centre Ma’a Nonu could be in line to face his former side when the Sharks host the All Blacks on Tuesday, August 11.
The Sharks revealed on July 25 that they recruited Nonu as part of a high-performance mentorship programme where he will work alongside head coach JP Pietersen and co to help develop the side’s upcoming youngsters.
The 44-year-old double World Cup-winning centre, however, hasn’t announced his retirement from the game and featured during the Top 14 and Champions Cup tournaments for Toulon this past season.
The Sharks officially welcomed Nonu on Tuesday, August 4, presenting him with the No.12 jersey he donned at Test level and for various clubs around the world.
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Ma’a Nonu’s first day in the Shark Tank 🦈
From a walk around Hollywoodbets Kings Park to meeting the squad, catching up with familiar faces and sharing a special full-circle moment with Jurenzo Julius, it was a warm Sharks welcome for the All Blacks legend.
Susū mai i Durban,… pic.twitter.com/aiDgOokGDi
— The Sharks (@SharksRugby) August 4, 2026
With Ethan Hooker and Andre Esterhuizen on duty with the Springboks, the Sharks could lean on Nonu’s experience when they face the All Blacks next week in the second match of the Greatest Rivalry series.
It would mark a remarkable full-circle moment for the 103-time-capped Kiwi should he be in contention to face his fellow countrymen in what could be his retirement match.
POV: You get to welcome your rugby hero to your club 🥹🦈#SharksRugby #WelcomeMaa #RugbyTok pic.twitter.com/GcYiszKgXL
— The Sharks (@SharksRugby) August 4, 2026
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