Sharks bring in All Blacks legend to mentor next generation
NEWS: The Sharks have enlisted two-time World Cup-winning All Blacks legend Ma’a Nonu as part of a high-performance mentorship programme aimed at accelerating the development of the club’s emerging stars.
Nonu will spend the next few months in Durban in a leadership and mentoring role, working alongside head coach JP Pietersen and the Sharks coaching staff to help strengthen the club’s high-performance culture.
The 103-Test former All Blacks centre brings more than two decades of elite-level experience, having been a key figure in one of world rugby’s most successful teams. While his achievements on the field are well documented, the Sharks believe his greatest contribution will come through the standards, professionalism and winning mentality he can pass on to the club’s younger players.
Sharks CEO Shaun Bryans said opportunities to bring someone of Nonu’s stature into the environment are rare.
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“Opportunities for someone of Ma’a’s calibre to spend time in our environment don’t come around often. 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.
“As we continue to build for the future, exposing our environment to world-class performers who have achieved sustained success is invaluable. His presence over the next few months will add significant value to our playing group through the mentorship, standards and rugby knowledge he will share with our team every day.”
Pietersen, who forged a long-standing relationship with Nonu during their international careers, believes the New Zealand great’s influence will extend well beyond the training field.
“The best players don’t just leave memories, they leave standards. That’s what Ma’a brings. Every conversation, every training session and every interaction is an opportunity for our players to learn what excellence looks like.”
Nonu said the opportunity to work alongside Pietersen and help shape the next generation made the move to Durban an easy decision.
“The Sharks are one of the world’s most iconic rugby clubs and Durban has always been a special place for me to visit. 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.
“I have immense respect for JP. We competed against each other for many years, and I’m looking forward to working with him and the team.
“This is a great opportunity to give back to the game. Working alongside the future stars of our sport is exciting, and I’m looking forward to doing everything I can to help the club during my time there.”
The Sharks believe Nonu’s short-term stint will have a lasting impact as the club continues to invest in building a world-class high-performance environment and developing the next generation of talent.
