Vodacom Super Rugby
Nonu: I've done my time in NZ
2011-06-12 20:58
Wellington - Sacked Hurricanes centre Ma'a Nonu is now contemplating a move overseas after he was told by the Wellington-based team he would not be offered a new contract.
Nonu and captain Andrew Hore, both of whom have played more than 100 games for the Hurricanes, were told by coach Mark Hammett early last week they would need to find new teams next season.
Local media had reported that 29-year-old Nonu was expected to link with former provincial coach Dave Rennie at the Chiefs next year, but the 56-Test All Black now appears to be looking further afield.
"I'll have to wait and see ... I'm probably going to go overseas now," Nonu told the Sunday Star Times after his side's 18-18 draw with the Waikato Chiefs in Hamilton.
"This has made me more likely to leave the country now.
"I've stayed at the Hurricanes long enough and tried my best, so why wouldn't I want to go overseas?
"I've done my time in New Zealand now."
Nonu and Hore are likely to play their final game for the Hurricanes in Wellington next Saturday against the Crusaders, along with props John Schwalger and Neemia Tialata.
Schwalger and Tialata have already confirmed they are heading to France at the end of the season, while loose forward Rodney So'oialo is leaving for Japan.
Fellow All Blacks Cory Jane and Piri Weepu, both close friends with Nonu, were still mulling their future, while lock Jason Eaton - a good friend of Hore's - had been unsettled by the hooker's sacking, the Sunday Star Times said.
Flyhalf Aaron Cruden is also reportedly weighing a move to the Chiefs, where he will link with Rennie who guided him at provincial level.