NZRU and All Blacks staff prefer to keep the backline stalwart here rather than risk him taking up an overseas deal. Photo / Greg Bowker
Ma'a Nonu has re-signed with the New Zealand Rugby Union and the Blues for the next two years.
While Nonu has been a consistent performer for the All Blacks, his poor form at the Hurricanes, Blues and Highlanders over the past three seasons had left him with few Super Rugby
options until Sir John Kirwan stepped in to take him back at the Auckland franchise.
Nonu had reneged on a handshake agreement with Kirwan at the start of last season, Kirwan's first after replacing Pat Lam, to sign with the Highlanders instead.
Until Kirwan agreed to take Nonu back his most likely destination was club rugby in France.
Nonu, 31, said: "I am excited to be staying in New Zealand and returning to play my rugby with the Blues. While I had options to play elsewhere, my preference was always to stay, so my family and I are really happy that I can do that.
