All Blacks centre Ma’a Nonu has confirmed that he has signed for Major League Rugby side San Diego Legion in the USA.
The move means that Nonu’s high-profile return to New Zealand with the Blues is over after just one year.
New head coach Rob Hoadley is not only excited at what Nonu will bring to the club but also to the league as a whole as they try to build the sport in America.
“Ma’s is a huge addition for us. It is undeniable that he will have a major impact on the MLR this season. He is a world-class player who has proven himself to be one of the greats of the game. His talent and leadership will be a perfect addition to the San Diego Legion,” he said.
The 37-year-old’s return to New Zealand last year sparked talk that he may be in line for a return to the All Blacks set-up. However, with the All Blacks having such talent in the centre position that never came to the fore as he was not selected for the Rugby World Cup squad.
With a 103 All Blacks caps to his name and a host of club accolades Nonu brings a huge amount of experience to the Legion side and also headlines a tournament that is only in its infancy having been in action for only two years.
He is one of a number of high-profile players to make the switch to the US to test the new competition joining the likes of Mathieu Bastareaud and Adam Thompson who have signed on for the 2020 season.
