Rugby: Nonu silent on playing future

Ma'a Nonu. Photo / Getty Images

All Blacks Ma'a Nonu and Andrew Hore have been deemed surplus to requirements by the Hurricanes and will not be at the Super 15 rugby franchise next year.

Coach Mark Hammett confirmed today that the pair had been informed on Monday that they would not be offered contracts for 2012.

Hammett said there was a combination of factors behind the move made by the Hurricanes coaching team and management but refused to identify them.

"We've got to make decisions on how we move forward and it's been a combined decision" he said.

The 29-year-old Nonu, who refused to answer questions from reporters and instead made a statement, was more forthcoming.

"It's pretty disappointing not being required next year. I had nothing to do with the matter, but that's the way it goes. It's a shame but you move on."

The bullocking midfield back, who paid tribute to his family and fans for their support, said it would be a wrench to leave a franchise where he had spent nine seasons.

"I've spent a third of my life in this team, I've met a lot of great guys and made a lot of friends over the years and I'm grateful for that.

"I'm pretty proud of what I've done in this team. In my wildest dreams I never thought I'd make Canes ... I got to play with my schoolboy heroes."

Nonu declined to comment on his future, but was adamant the rugby public would still see more of him.

"It's not the end, I move on. I still get the chance to do what I love and that's playing rugby wherever that may lie."

He has been linked with a potential move to the Chiefs and was also rumoured to being courted by clubs France, while hooker Hore is understood to be keen on a season for the Highlanders.

Hammett conceded the timing of the announcement, with two games left in the season, was not ideal but he was keen to give Nonu and 32-year-old Hore the chance to play their final home game for the franchise, against the Crusaders next week.

"These guys also have to have the opportunity to look ahead as well in terms of what they're doing for their futures."

Hammett said the reaction among the players had been understandable.

"Like anyone who's leaving a family there's some that are very close in a squad. For the guys that are really good mates that's a difficult time for those boys."

Talks had been held with Piri Weepu and Cory Jane about extending their deals and Hammett was optimistic their futures would be resolved in coming weeks.

"I'm hoping they'll make a decision to stay on with us. They've got big decisions to make in the next month or so," the former All Blacks hooker said.

Both Nonu and Hore will start for the Hurricanes in their match against the Chiefs in Hamilton in Friday night in what will be Neemia Tialata's 100th Super appearance.

Nonu was keen to praise the achievement of the 28-year-old prop on reaching a milestone that has been also been attained by Tana Umaga and the departing Rodney So'oialo, Nonu and Hore.

"This week's not about me, it's about one big fulla - Neemia Tialata. He's playing his hundredth game this weekend and I'm grateful to be part of it and I want to put on a good performance for him.

"Being a prop in Super rugby to make 100 games he's probably packed down for half a million scrums so I just want to give it all to one of my best mates," Nonu said.

- NZPA