In the high-octane world of professional rugby, where careers often conclude well before the age of 35, one name continues to reverberate with an almost mythical aura: Ma`a Nonu. The two-time Rugby World Cup winner, known for his formidable presence and distinctive dreadlocks often compared to a certain cinematic extraterrestrial hunter, is not merely participating in France`s elite Top 14 league at 43 years old. He is, to the astonishment of many, dominating it.
The Unexpected Encore at Toulon
Nonu`s journey back to the Top 14, specifically with Toulon, reads like a script rejected by Hollywood for being too improbable. After a stint in the USA`s Major League Rugby following a previous tenure with Toulon (where he played 15 out of 16 matches in 2019 at 38, largely as a starter), the consensus was that his illustrious playing career was winding down. He returned to France with aspirations of coaching, a natural progression for a legend of his caliber.
“I didn`t know Ma’a very well,” admits Toulon coach Pierre Mignoni. “We had a great chat, he’s a smart man, but I wasn’t planning on bringing him back to the field. Initially, it wasn`t even a consideration. But then we had a wave of injuries, and I couldn`t resist offering him to just train with us, to which he simply said, `No problem.`”
What followed was a revelation. Mignoni, witnessing Nonu in action, found himself utterly floored. “When I saw him on the field, I thought: `This is impossible.` I`m not talking about his technique; we all know that. What amazed me was his empathy, his aura that enveloped everyone around him. We put him through a series of physical tests, and he passed them all with flying colors, like a twenty-year-old. Perfect knees, perfect shoulders. He hadn`t even lost much speed.”
A Testament to Unyielding Professionalism
This isn`t merely a tale of a seasoned veteran clinging to the game; it’s a masterclass in extreme professionalism and physical preservation. Younger teammates speak of Nonu with a blend of reverence and disbelief.
“He is very calm, inspiring, and a super professional,” shares 23-year-old Toulon center Marius Domon. “I don`t know where he gets his energy and youth from, but he still sets high standards of skill while remaining soulful. Ten years ago, Toulon was inspired by Jonny Wilkinson. Today, we have Ma`a Nonu.”
Indeed, Nonu`s routine borders on the legendary. Training starts at 7 AM, yet he arrives at 5:30 AM. After the main session, when others are heading for showers, he transitions to extensive stretching, followed by a cold bath. And then, as if the day wasn`t long enough, he dedicates time to mentor younger players, sometimes till 3:30 PM. As prop Dani Priso dryly observes, “It’s madness.”
This dedication also serves as a potent antidote to skepticism. French rugby icon Sébastien Chabal had voiced doubts, suggesting Nonu might be overstaying his welcome and potentially blocking younger talent. Mignoni, however, swiftly came to Nonu’s defense: “I don’t blame Sebastien. But to truly understand how good Ma`a is, you need to see how he trains, what kind of role model he is for the young lads, how they adopt his approach to work and experience.”
Image: Ma`a Nonu continues to defy expectations on the rugby field.
The “Cyborg” Blueprint: Insights from Former All Blacks
So, what fuels this seemingly endless well of athletic prowess? His former All Blacks teammates offer invaluable insights into the Ma`a Nonu phenomenon:
- Unwavering Self-Care: Scrum-half Tawera Kerr-Barlow highlights Nonu’s pioneering approach to recovery. “I have never seen a player take such care of his fitness. Many years ago, he was one of the first to do Pilates or yoga on rest days.”
- Technical Mastery Over Brute Force: Despite his imposing physique (over 100 kg), Nonu’s game is not one-dimensional. Kerr-Barlow notes, “He possesses excellent technique. Ma`a weighs over 100 kg but never relies solely on strength. Therefore, you never know what he will do when you face him: engage in contact with full power, go for a run, or pass the ball. In my opinion, he is the best 12th number in the history of our sport.”
- Mental Resilience and Evolution: Centre Conrad Smith, also 43, expresses profound admiration, admitting he couldn`t replicate Nonu`s efforts. Smith recounts watching Nonu score tries against his former teams and questioning his drive: “Hey mate, why are you doing all this, and are you even going to finish?” Nonu’s response: “Maybe later, I haven’t achieved everything I wanted yet.” This reveals a player driven by an internal compass, not external validation or the ticking clock.
- Thriving Under Pressure: Smith further elaborates on Nonu`s psychological makeup: “He loves pressure and through it, he develops, chasing away the doubts of everyone who tells him: ‘You won’t succeed.’ He is the same as 20 years ago when we played for the Hurricanes and All Blacks. I always heard him say he would play as long as possible. He loves this game, worked hard, and showed everyone what he is capable of.”
- Defying Preconceptions: Nonu’s career is a continuous narrative of defying expectations. Once seen primarily as a crash-ball merchant, he meticulously evolved into one of New Zealand rugby`s finest passers. “Ma`a always pushed the boundaries of his capabilities and shattered preconceived notions. The same applies to his physical conditioning,” Smith concludes.
The Legacy of an Ageless Gladiator
Ma`a Nonu is more than a rugby player; he is a living embodiment of dedication, evolution, and relentless pursuit of excellence. In an era where athletes are meticulously managed and often retired prematurely due to the physical toll, Nonu stands as an anomaly, a testament to what is possible when passion meets unparalleled discipline. For the current generation, who previously knew him only through highlight reels, he is a tangible legend, still carving out history on the pitch, dreadlocks swaying with every powerful stride. He might not be a coach yet, but as Dani Priso eloquently puts it, he`s unequivocally “a motivating rugby player” – and then some.
Gareth Pendleton 
Finlay Hurst