All Black Nonu to join Otago Highlanders

WELLINGTON (AFP) –

All Blacks centre Ma’a Nonu, seen here in September, said Tuesday he plans to switch to the Otago Highlanders for the 2013 Super 15 season, ending his one-year stint with the Auckland Blues.

All Blacks centre Ma’a Nonu said Tuesday he plans to switch to the Otago Highlanders for the 2013 Super 15 season, ending his one-year stint with the Auckland Blues.

Nonu cited family reasons for the move, quashing speculation the 30-year-old would wind down his career with a lucrative move to Japan in the wake of last year’s Rugby World Cup victory.

“It’s got nothing to do with the Blues, it is a decision I have made for myself and my family,” the 71-Test veteran told reporters, adding that details of the contract had to be finalised before he signed.

Blues coach John Kirwan said he was disappointed with Nonu’s decision, believing he had a handshake deal with the powerhouse midfielder to remain in Auckland.

“I am obviously disappointed,” Kirwan said. “The lateness in the decision has really put us in a difficult situation, but we are going to have a young, exciting young team and we’ll move on.”

Nonu is the second high-profile Blues player to move to the Highlanders during the off-season, with prop Tony Woodcock also defecting after a disappointing season in which Auckland finished 12th on the Super 15 ladder.