Ma'a Nonu Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids
Ma'a Nonu

Nonu in 2019

Birth name

Ma'a Allan Nonu

Date of birth

21 May 1982 (age 43)

Place of birth

Wellington, New Zealand

Height

182 cm (6 ft 0 in)

Weight

108 kg (238 lb; 17 st 0 lb)

School

Rongotai College

Notable relative(s)

Jack Afamasaga (cousin)

Rugby union career

Senior career
Position(s)	Centre, Wing
Current team	San Diego Legion
Years	Team	Apps	(Points)
2002–2010	Wellington	61	(140)
2003–2015	Hurricanes	126	(240)
2011–2012	Ricoh Black Rams	11	(30)
2012–2013	Blues	39	(35)
2013	Highlanders	9	(5)
2015–2021	Toulon	93	(70)
2020–	San Diego Legion	22	(20)
2021	East Coast	4	(0)
Correct as of 1 April 2023
National team(s)
Years	Team	Apps	(Points)
2003–2015	New Zealand	103	(155)
2007	Junior All Blacks	2	(10)
2007–2010	Barbarian F.C.	2	(0)
Correct as of 1 April 2023
Correct as of 1 April 2023

Ma'a Allan Nonu (born 21 May 1982) is a famous professional rugby union player from New Zealand. He is known for playing as an inside centre, but he can also play as an outside centre or on the wing. Many people think he is one of the best centres to ever play rugby.

Ma'a Nonu was a very important player for the All Blacks. He helped them win the Rugby World Cup twice, in 2011 and 2015. This made him one of only a few players to win the World Cup more than once! He currently plays for the San Diego Legion in Major League Rugby (MLR).

Ma'a Nonu's Rugby Journey
Ma'a Nonu's Playing Style
Personal Life
Honours
Images for kids
See also

Ma'a Nonu's Rugby Journey

Starting Out in Wellington

Ma'a Nonu grew up in Wellington, New Zealand. He went to Strathmore Park Primary School and then Rongotai College. When he was young, he played both rugby union and rugby league.

He started playing club rugby for Oriental Rongotai in Wellington. He also played for Wellington's school teams and the Under 19s team.

Becoming an All Black

Nonu made his first big step in professional rugby in 2002. He played for the Wellington provincial team. In 2003, he joined the Hurricanes in the Super 12 competition. His great performance led him to play for the New Zealand Sevens team in 2004.

On June 14, 2003, Ma'a Nonu played his first game for the All Blacks. He started as a centre against England. Later that year, he was chosen for the 2003 Rugby World Cup squad. He scored his first try for the All Blacks against Canada.

Key Player for the All Blacks

Over the next few years, Nonu worked hard to become a regular player for the All Blacks. He often played on the wing or as a second five-eighth. By 2008, he was seen as the All Blacks' top choice for inside centre. He formed a strong partnership with Conrad Smith in the midfield. On September 28, 2013, they played their 50th international game together, which was a record!

Winning the Rugby World Cup (2011)

In 2011, Ma'a Nonu was a crucial part of the All Blacks team. He played in the Tri-Nations tournament, scoring important tries.

He was then selected for the 2011 Rugby World Cup. He scored a try in the opening match against Tonga. On October 23, 2011, he played in the final against France. The All Blacks won 8-7, becoming world champions!

Playing for Clubs Around the World

After the 2011 World Cup, Nonu played for the Ricoh Black Rams in Japan for a short time. Then, he returned to New Zealand to play for the Blues in 2012. He later played for the Highlanders in 2013, and then returned to the Blues in 2014.

In 2015, he went back to his original Super Rugby team, the Hurricanes.

Winning the Rugby World Cup Again (2015)

Ma'a Nonu was again chosen as the starting inside centre for the 2015 Rugby World Cup. He played in almost every game, including all the knockout matches. In the final against Australia, he scored an amazing solo try from 50 meters out. This helped the All Blacks win 34-17, making them world champions for the second time in a row!

After this historic win, Nonu was recognized for his services to rugby. In the 2016 New Year Honours, he was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM).

Later Career

After the 2015 World Cup, Nonu moved to France to play for Toulon in the Top 14 league. He played there for several years.

In 2019, he returned to the Blues for another season. In October 2019, it was announced that Nonu would play for the San Diego Legion in Major League Rugby in the United States. He became the captain of the San Diego Legion in 2022.

Ma'a Nonu's Playing Style

Ma'a Nonu is famous for his powerful and explosive way of running with the ball. He often breaks through the opposing team's defense easily. Graham Henry, who coached the All Blacks to their 2011 World Cup win, said Nonu was "probably the best linebreaker in this game."

Nonu's style is often compared to another great All Black centre, Tana Umaga. Like Umaga, Nonu is excellent at running with the ball directly into the defense, which creates space for his teammates.

Personal Life

While playing in France, Ma'a Nonu decided to become a vegetarian. He said his son, Michael, inspired him. Nonu explained that his son didn't like eating meat, so he decided to try being vegetarian too, to be like his son.

Nonu believes that his vegetarian diet has helped him stay fit and healthy, even as he got older. He said it helped him continue playing Super Rugby at 37 years old.