{"id":1130204,"date":"2026-08-04T17:07:22","date_gmt":"2026-08-04T17:07:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/1130204\/"},"modified":"2026-08-04T17:07:22","modified_gmt":"2026-08-04T17:07:22","slug":"watch-springboks-hopeful-welcomes-childhood-hero-maa-nonu-to-the-sharks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/1130204\/","title":{"rendered":"WATCH: Springboks hopeful welcomes childhood hero Ma’a Nonu to the Sharks"},"content":{"rendered":"

Legendary All Blacks centre Ma\u2019a Nonu has touched down in South Africa<\/a> after signing a short-term deal with the Sharks.<\/b><\/p>\n

While there is a possibility that the 44-year-old will run out for the Durbanites, he joined the United Rugby Championship franchise in a mentorship and leadership capacity.<\/p>\n

Jurenzo Julius welcomes Ma\u2019a Nonu to the Sharks<\/p>\n

It is hoped that Nonu<\/a> will be able to pass on knowledge and help the development of the future regulars at the Sharks<\/a>, including rising star centre Jurenzo Julius, who was on hand to officially welcome the legend of the game.<\/p>\n

In a video posted on the Sharks\u2019 social media channels, captioned \u201cPOV: You get to welcome your rugby hero to your club\u201d, the former Junior Boks star is seen presenting the double Rugby World Cup winner with a jersey.<\/p>\n

\u201cWelcome to the Sharks, great to have you here, it\u2019s an honour and a privilege to welcome you to the family,\u201d Julius says in the video, which then flashes to a picture of the pair all the way back in 2014.<\/p>\n

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POV: You get to welcome your rugby hero to your club \ud83e\udd79\ud83e\udd88#SharksRugby<\/a> #WelcomeMaa<\/a> #RugbyTok<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/GcYiszKgXL<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 The Sharks (@SharksRugby) August 4, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Nonu to face the All Blacks?<\/p>\n

It remains unclear whether Nonu could be up for selection when the Sharks tackle the All Blacks<\/a> at the Kings Park Stadium on 11 August as part of the Rugby\u2019s Greatest Rivalry tour.<\/p>\n

However, that is precisely what fans were baying for in the immediate aftermath of the announcement.<\/p>\n

\u201cShould play him against the All Blacks purely for the vibes,\u201d Jordan Patu wrote, with journalist Jamie Wall writing: \u201cIf Nonu plays for the Sharks against the All Blacks they should roll out Tony Brown as well.\u201d<\/p>\n

While another fan was pleased to see the All Blacks\u2019 arrival to assist the younger talents, specifically naming Julius.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe\u00a0Sharks\u00a0signing\u00a0Ma\u2019a Nonu\u00a0in a mentorship role is an incredible move for Jurenzo Julius. I cannot think of anyone better to work with him to fast-track his development. Definitely someone to keep an eye on in the URC now,\u201d Alten du Plessis wrote.<\/p>\n

Calls for Sharks to play Ma\u2019a Nonu against the All Blacks after \u2018shrewd\u2019 Durban move<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

In the statement announcing his arrival, Nonu said: \u201cThe\u00a0Sharks\u00a0are one of the world\u2019s most iconic rugby clubs, and Durban has always been a special place for me to travel to.<\/p>\n

\u201cOne of my earliest away matches in Super Rugby was played here, and I\u2019ve carried fond memories of this city and its passionate rugby fans ever since.<\/p>\n

Victor Matfield\u2019s \u2018not a bad idea\u2019 verdict on Ma\u2019a Nonu\u2019s bombshell Sharks move<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cI have immense respect for JP. We competed against each other for many years, and I\u2019m looking forward to working with him and the team.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is a great opportunity to give back to the game. Working alongside the future stars of our sport is exciting, and I\u2019m looking forward to doing everything I can to help the club during my time there.\u201d<\/p>\n

READ MORE: Seven overseas stars who represented the Sharks including a Springboks coach, \u2018The Magician\u2019 and legendary France trio<\/a>
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