"I've had a lot of consultation with the All Blacks around his return to play in the last week or so and I've spoken to Ma'a and he'll go to Africa with us but won't play in the pre-season," Boyd said.
Boyd named his 38-strong Hurricanes squad today and one of the features was a revamped midfield following the return of Nonu and Reynold Lee-Lo and the addition of Vince Aso (Auckland) and Willis Halaholo (Southland).
The Hurricanes have the reliable Conrad Smith at centre but they lacked for depth behind him in 2014, while they couldn't settle on a regular second-five.
Given the All Blacks will have their game-time managed ahead of the World Cup during next year's Super Rugby campaign, finding further players to sit behind Nonu and Smith was of great importance to Boyd.
"We're really pleased with the contracted squad that we have. If we look at those who have departed, we've lost some quality players to overseas clubs, but feel we've filled those spots well," Boyd said.
Loose forward is another area of strength for the Hurricanes with Savea, Brad Shields, Victor Vito, Callum Gibbins, Blade Thomson, Adam Hill and newcomer Iopu Iopu-Aso all set to contest for a starting spot.
Forwards coach John Plumtree said it was time for some of those players to make a greater impact given they had spent a few seasons in Super Rugby.
"It's just a case of taking it all to another level and that's what I'm determined to do and that's what everyone else is determined to do," Plumtree said.
The Hurricanes also looked to the future with their wider training group selections, naming three promising young guns in Manawatu first-five Otere Black, Hawke's Bay loose forward Hugh Renton and Wellington hooker Leni Apisai.
"We've got half an eye on the future and our succession planning, and have recruited some younger guys we hope will grow and develop around our strong core of senior players," Boyd said.
