"Still loves it" - Ma'a Nonu re-signs, five players you didn't know are still playing

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In a sensational move, two-time Rugby World Cup champion Nonu has inked a new contract with San Diego Legion that paves the way for his illustrious career to stride into 2024.

Although it's been since 2015 that Nonu showcased his skills in the iconic black jersey, the 41-year-old maestro remains resolute in prolonging his playing journey, proving age is just a number for this All Blacks legend.

“The Legend is back for another year,” head coach and director of rugby Danny Lee said in a statement confirming Nonu’s signing.

“We are thrilled to have Ma’a back for the 2024 MLR season after an outstanding 2023. Ma’a had a major influence on our team last season on and off the field and was a major factor in us having a very successful season, playing in the MLR final and us breaking Club and League records along the way. We go again.”

At the age of 43, Mike Tindall, the former World Cup winner, continues to lace up his boots and actively participates in the game for Minchinhampton RFC in Gloucestershire.

This England rugby legend is also lending his support to an England Rugby campaign aimed at encouraging more players to return to the sport.

The pandemic caused a significant disruption to grassroots fifteen-a-side rugby, resulting in an 18-month hiatus. Although much of the sport has resumed its normal operations, research indicates that social players in men's rugby have not returned to their pre-COVID levels. Similar to athletes in other sports, some rugby players have lost the habit of representing their local teams every weekend.

As he prepared for a midweek training session at Minchinhampton, where he occasionally takes the field for the 2nd and 3rd XVs, Mike expressed his thoughts: “It’s important that we try to get more people back at clubs. It’s such a great game and the values are so good. 

In a stunning comeback, 41-year-old rugby stalwart Matt Giteau is set to grace the professional rugby scene once again, having recently inked a deal with the American club San Diego Legion for the upcoming 2024 Major League Rugby (MLR) season.

Having previously played for the now-defunct MLR club LA Giltinis, Giteau had humorously declared his retirement in February, quipping about having "milked the game and contracts dry."

San Diego Legion's coach, Danny Lee, expressed sheer delight in securing Giteau's services for the forthcoming season, declaring their elation in a statement released on Wednesday.

"He is a world-class player who will bring an incredible wealth of knowledge, a competitive attitude, and a drive to succeed with him that will no doubt spread throughout the squad."

The Wales legend could realise his dream of playing in a Rugby World Cup after unexpectedly switching to rugby league. The former union icon, released by the Dragons at the end of the 2018-19 season, has joined 13-a-side club West Wales Raiders.

 Henson has participated in several reality television series: .

71 Degrees North, Strictly Come Dancing, The Bachelor and Celebrity Hunted (2019)

The former Ireland and Lions flanker returned to Leinster, this summer, to take up a coaching role with a side he won multiple league and European titles with O'Brien. However, he just couldn't stay retired, making his rugby comeback with Naas RFC.

O'Brien had been seeking to play for his club, Tullow, when he returned from his professional rugby stint in England, with London Irish.

That move to a junior-level side was prevented when the domestic level section of the Leinster Rugby branch stated it would be going against safety guidelines for a just retired professional to immediately drop down to play at that level.