Nonu joins Blues after dumped by ‘Canes

All Black centre Ma’a Nonu has signed a two-year deal with the Auckland Blues in the Super rugby competition after being sensationally dumped by the Wellington Hurricanes last month.

    The 29-year-old has also signed a two-year deal with the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) which locks him into the All Blacks set-up until the end of 2013 while giving him a “sabbatical” to play in Japan, the NZRU said in a news release on Friday.     

    “I’m happy that I’m continuing my career in New Zealand and would like to thank the Blues for giving me the opportunity to join them,” the 56-test All Black said.     

    “I was flattered and grateful to receive offers to play for other teams as well but the Blues was the best option for me and my family and I’m really looking forward to joining them next year.”     

    Nonu, along with Hurricanes skipper Andrew Hore, was given his marching orders by coach Mark Hammett despite playing more than 100 games for the Wellington-based side and being considered a certainty for All Blacks coach Graham Henry’s World Cup squad.     

    Having flagged pursuing a lucrative deal overseas after being stung by the dismissal, Nonu would join the Black Rams in Japan’s Top League before returning to New Zealand for next year’s Super season, the NZRU said.     

    The deal elevates the explosive inside centre into a select group of New Zealand players, including All Black flyhalf Dan Carter and captain Richie McCaw, who have been given the flexibility to play overseas while honouring their national contracts.     

    “Ma’a is an outstanding, world-class player who has been committed to New Zealand rugby for the best part of a decade, and for him to commit further is fantastic news,” NZRU CEO Steve Tew said.     

    “We have said that we will look to be flexible when it comes to re-contracting our leading players and we think giving him the chance to play in Japan is another example of that flexibility.”     

    The Hurricanes notched only five wins in a dismal season to miss the playoffs and finish ninth in the 15-team standings.     

    The Blues clash with Australia’s Queensland Reds on Saturday for a place in the title decider.