Sharks head coach JP Pietersen has reportedly added a highly decorated and proven title-winner from New Zealand to the Durban-based club’s ranks for next season.
According to Rapport, Pietersen has signed legendary All Black centre Ma’a Nonu, primarily in a mentorship role to help fast-track the development of Sharks outside backs like Jurenzo Julius, Jaco Williams and Zekhethelo Siyaya.
However, it is understood the 44-year-old remains available for selection if needed. He will provide cover at inside centre when André Esterhuizen is away on Springbok duty, with Nonu’s physicality and experience closely mirroring that of the skipper.
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Having clashed repeatedly in Springbok-All Blacks Tests and Super Rugby derbies between the Sharks and Hurricanes, Pietersen and Nonu also played together at Toulon.
A World Cup winner in 2011 and 2015 across 103 Tests, Nonu has also turned out for the Blues, Highlanders, Hurricanes, Black Rams Tokyo and San Diego Legion, and featured for Toulon against the Stormers this year.
Photo: Anthony Au-Yeung/Getty Images
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Sharks head coach JP Pietersen has reportedly added a highly decorated and proven title-winner from New Zealand to the Durban club’s ranks for next season.
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