Ma’a Nonu could soon play against his own son as remarkable career continues aged 44
Rugby NewsTuesday, 11 August 2026 at 13:28
Ma’a Nonu’s extraordinary rugby career is still going strong at the age of 44, with the All Blacks legend showing few signs of finally calling time on his playing days.
More than two decades after making his New Zealand debut, Nonu remains involved at the highest level and is set for the remarkable experience of facing the All Blacks.
Here are some things you might not know about one of rugby's most recognisable stars.
1. He grew up watching Arnold Schwarzenegger
Perhaps Nonu's imposing physique was always destined to develop.
Growing up, he was reportedly a fan of Arnold Schwarzenegger films.
The future All Black would eventually develop into one of the most physically intimidating centres international rugby has seen.
2. He became vegetarian because of his son
One of the more surprising facts about the famously powerful centre is that he stopped eating meat.
And the reason behind the decision had nothing to do with rugby.
Nonu revealed that his son Michael didn't like eating meat when he was younger.
Rather than having his son eating differently from everybody else at the dinner table, Nonu decided to join him and become vegetarian himself.
He later spoke positively about how the change made him feel physically.
3. He made huge journeys just to stay close to his family
Family also influenced one of the more unusual arrangements of Nonu's career.
When he returned to the Blues in 2019, Nonu continued living with his family in Wellington.
It meant regularly travelling between Wellington and Auckland rather than permanently relocating.
For a player approaching 37 at the time, it made his performances at Super Rugby level even more impressive.
4. His incredible training habits explain some of his longevity
Nonu's ability to continue playing into his 40s hasn't happened by accident.
England international Kyle Sinckler provided an insight into the veteran's remarkable preparation while the pair were together at Toulon.
Sinckler revealed that arriving at the club at around 7am wasn't enough to beat Nonu through the door.
The New Zealander had already been there for around an hour working on his body.
Sinckler also joined Nonu for an extensive maintenance and core session and admitted he was still feeling the effects days later.
Not bad for a player more than a decade his senior.
5. He's a big hip-hop fan
Away from rugby, Nonu developed a love of American hip-hop while growing up in Wellington.
Bone Thugs-N-Harmony were reportedly among his favourites as a teenager.
It's one of several influences that helped shape the distinctive personality and image that made Nonu instantly recognisable throughout his career.
6. Ma’a Nonu has three sons
Nonu and his wife Andrea are parents to three boys.
His family has generally remained away from the spotlight despite their father's status as one of New Zealand rugby's most famous players.
Nonu's second son, Michael, was reported to be seven years old in 2019, meaning he would now be around 14.
Their youngest son was born in February 2015 and is now 11, while their eldest is older.
With Nonu somehow still playing at 44, the possibility of his career overlapping with his children's adult years no longer sounds quite as ridiculous as it once would have.
There is currently no indication that a father-son showdown is actually scheduled — or that his sons are pursuing senior rugby careers — but Nonu's longevity means the generations are beginning to overlap.
7. Wellington has always been home
Despite playing rugby around the world, Nonu's connection with Wellington has remained incredibly strong.
He grew up in Strathmore and came through Wellington rugby before becoming an All Black.
He has also retained a strong connection with his club, Oriental-Rongotai.
His attachment to Wellington was part of the reason he was willing to make those demanding journeys while playing for the Blues.
8. He played at the 2003 Rugby World Cup
This is perhaps the statistic that best demonstrates just how extraordinary Nonu's longevity is.
He made his All Blacks debut against England in June 2003 and was selected for that year's Rugby World Cup.
Twenty-three years later, he's still pulling on his boots.
Players who weren't even born when Nonu became an international are now established professionals themselves.
9. He won two Rugby World Cups
Nonu went on to become an integral part of arguably the greatest international rugby side ever assembled.
He helped New Zealand win the 2011 Rugby World Cup on home soil before doing it all again four years later.
His performance in the 2015 final against Australia included a memorable second-half try as the All Blacks became the first nation to successfully defend the Webb Ellis Cup.
Nonu finished his original All Blacks career with 103 Test appearances.
10. Now he's facing the All Blacks
After everything he achieved wearing the famous black jersey, Nonu is now preparing for the unusual experience of lining up on the other side.
At 44, the legendary centre's career has stretched from playing for the All Blacks at the 2003 Rugby World Cup to potentially taking them on more than two decades later.
And with his sons now growing up, another remarkable question is beginning to emerge.
Just how long can Ma’a Nonu keep going?
All Blacks Handed NIGHTMARE Route to 2027 Rugby World Cup Final
The All Blacks have been handed a potentially brutal route to the 2027 Rugby World Cup final after being drawn alongside hosts Australia in one of the tournament’s toughest pools.
With the competition expanding to 24 teams and introducing a Round of 16 for the first time, New Zealand can already map out their possible path to the Webb Ellis Cup — and it is packed with danger.
Pool A: A Trans-Tasman Showdown
New Zealand have been drawn in Pool A with Australia, creating one of the marquee clashes of the group stage. The All Blacks and Wallabies are expected to battle for top spot, with the pool winner earning a potentially more favourable route through the knockout stages.
Under the tournament format, the top two teams from each pool automatically qualify for the Round of 16, while the four best third-placed teams across all pools also advance.
For New Zealand, the objective will be simple: finish first in Pool A.
Round of 16: A Third-Placed Opponent Awaits
If the All Blacks top Pool A, they will face one of the tournament's best third-placed teams in the Round of 16.
Based on the draw, that opponent would come from Pools C, E or F. Possible challengers could include:
- Samoa, USA or Japan (Pool E)
- Wales or Tonga (Pool F)
- One of the emerging contenders from Pool C
On paper, this should represent a manageable first knockout assignment for New Zealand.
Quarter-Final: Potential Clash with South Africa
The bracket reveals the first major obstacle on New Zealand's path.
Should the All Blacks win Pool A and progress through the Round of 16, they are likely to face the winner of Pool B in the quarter-finals. Defending champions South Africa are overwhelming favourites to top that group, which also contains Italy, Georgia and Romania.
That means the Rugby Championship rivals could be set for another World Cup knockout classic, with the Springboks standing between New Zealand and the final four.
Given South Africa's recent dominance and World Cup pedigree, many observers view this as one of the most anticipated potential quarter-finals of the tournament.
Semi-Final: France Looms Large
If New Zealand overcome South Africa, the likely semi-final opponent would emerge from the opposite side of the bracket containing Pool E.
France are strong favourites to win Pool E, which also includes Japan, Samoa and the United States.
Les Bleus are expected to navigate their side of the draw and could set up a blockbuster semi-final against the All Blacks. A meeting between two of world rugby's most talented squads would undoubtedly be one of the highlights of the tournament.
Potential Final Opponents
Should New Zealand reach the final, several heavyweight nations could await.
The opposite half of the draw is expected to be led by:
- Ireland
- Scotland
- Argentina
- England
England's route appears favourable if they top Pool F, while Ireland and Scotland will again meet in the pool stage before potentially making deep runs into the knockout rounds.
Argentina, meanwhile, remain one of the dark horses after their impressive performances in recent World Cups.
Predicted Route to the Final
Assuming the major nations win their pools, the All Blacks' most likely pathway would be:
Pool Stage
- Australia
- Other Pool A opponents
Round of 16
- Best third-placed qualifier (from Pools C, E or F)
Quarter-Final
- South Africa (Pool B winner)
Semi-Final
- France (Pool E winner)
Final
- Ireland, England, Scotland or Argentina
QUIZ: Can you name all 26 teams to have played at the Men’s Rugby World Cups?
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