Sharks head coach JP Pietersen has added a highly decorated and proven title-winner from New Zealand to the Durban-based club’s ranks for next season.
Pietersen has signed legendary All Blacks centre Ma’a Nonu, primarily in a mentorship role to help fast-track the development of Sharks outside backs like Jurenzo Julius, Jaco Williams and Zekhethelo Siyaya.
Having clashed repeatedly in Springbok-All Blacks Tests and Super Rugby derbies between the Sharks and Hurricanes, Pietersen and Nonu also played together at Toulon.
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A World Cup winner in 2011 and 2015 across 103 Tests, Nonu has also turned out for the Blues, Highlanders, Hurricanes, Black Rams Tokyo and San Diego Legion, and featured for Toulon against the Stormers this year.
According to Rapport, the 44-year-old remains available for selection if needed. He will provide cover at inside centre when André Esterhuizen is away on Springbok duty, with Nonu’s physicality and experience closely mirroring that of the skipper.
“The best players don’t just leave memories, they leave standards. That’s what Ma’a brings,” Pietersen said in a statement.
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“Every conversation, every training session and every interaction is an opportunity for our players to learn what excellence looks like.”
Nonu added: “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. 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.”
Welcome to the Hollywoodbets Sharks, Ma’a Nonu. 🦈
The former All Black joins the club as part of a high-performance mentorship programme, helping develop the next generation.
Afio mai i Durban.#SharksRugby pic.twitter.com/hzqd4g62Rs
— The Sharks (@SharksRugby) July 25, 2026
Photo: Anthony Au-Yeung/Getty Images
