Ma'a Nonu will play his 100th test match against Tonga this Saturday. Photo / Getty Images
Ma'a Nonu will play his 100th test match against Tonga this Saturday. Photo / Getty Images
As Ma'a Nonu prepares to play his 100th test match this weekend - the sixth All Black to reach this milestone - we've prepared a list of interesting facts about one of world rugby's most unique players.
1. He made his All Blacks debut in 2003
Following his outstanding form playing for the Hurricanes in the Super 12, 21-year-old Nonu was selected for the All Blacks and played his first test match on 14 June 2003, starting as centre against England. While it was a close lossfor the All Blacks at 15-13, he went on to be selected for the World Cup squad that year.
Ma'a Nonu makes his debut for the All Blacks against England in 2003. Photo / Getty Images
When a streaker took to the field at a 2003 NPC match between Wellington (who Nonu played for) and Taranaki, Nonu tackled him in what he described at the time as a "spur of the moment decision". He went on to suggest that streakers would be better off strutting their stuff at halftime, rather than disrupting games.
Ma'a Nonu sports frosted dreadlocks back in his first year as an All Black. Photo / Paul Estcourt
3. He's a Wellington boy, through-and-through
Nonu grew up in the capital, living in the suburb of Strathmore, which overlooks the airport. His parents, wife and children still live in the city which is home to Nonu's family rugby club, the Ories - Oriental-Rongotai.
And he's community-minded. A local spoke of seeing Nonu out for a run, while he was was attempting to move bags of concrete down a narrow driveway. Nonu immediately stopped and offered his help - what a guy!
Ma'a Nonu with mother Fale in 2014. Photo / Getty Images
4. He was a fan of Bone Thugs and Harmony
As a teenager, Nonu attended Rongotai College and was a fan of Arnold Schwarzenegger and gangsta rap. He and his four best mates were all big fans of US rap group Bone Thugs and Harmony - and they had a special routine when visiting the local Manners Mall KFC after school.
Ma'a Nonu plays with his eyes during the captain's run on the eve of a warm-up against match France in 2006. Photo / Getty Images
"Whenever people got up to leave we'd walk over and offer to clear their plates, then we'd eat whatever they'd left ... we called it bone thugging and we'd all get full after a couple of hours."
5. He's known for his style
With his omnipresent dreadlocks, which sometimes take on bright coloured streaks, Nonu is a world rugby style icon who constantly pushes the boundaries. Back in 2004, his habit of wearing eyeliner on the field shocked many more conservative rugby fans.
Ma'a Nonu admitted to wearing eyeliner to set himself apart. Photo / Getty Images
"Rockstars wear eyeliner, why not give it a try?" was his explanation in 2014, once he'd given up the practise.
"That didn't really go down well. It didn't change who I was, but I guess All Blacks don't wear makeup."
6. He's been around the Super Rugby block recently
In 2011, the Hurricanes announced they would not be resigning Nonu and he was subsequently picked up by the Blues. After a year in Auckland, he moved to the Highlanders - to the disappointment of Blues coach John Kirwan.
Ma'a Nonu has a laugh with Hurricanes teammates Jerry Collins and Tana Umaga in 2005. Photo / Getty Images
His secondment to the Highlanders lasted a year, before Nonu returned to his home side the Hurricanes for the 2015 season.
7. He has wide-ranging interests
According to Wikipedia, Nonu likes to surf, play cards and write screenplays in his spare time. During the offseason he apparently enjoyings knitting and Clash of Clans. Unfortunately, the video referencing these interests has since been removed.
Ma'a Nonu's dreads make for a great silhouette. Photo / Getty Images
8. He nearly switched codes
While he played rugby league as a youngster, Nonu nearly changed codes after he missed out on the 2007 World Cup. He signed a contract with the Wests Tigers, but at the last minute decided not to send it back.
Following the near switch, former All Blacks assistant coach Wayne Smith suggested Nonu be moved to second-five eighths.
"I thank him all the time for that," Nonu said at the time. "He was amazing. He treats players like mates, like individuals, not as a product or a pet."
Ma'a Nonu embraces former Prime Minister Helen Clark in the changing room after winning the 2008 Bledisloe Cup. Photo / Getty Images
9. He set a record as a second five-eighths
Moving Nonu to second five-eighths must have been a good decision. In 2011, he set a new record for appearances at second five-eighth, with 49 (44 starts). The same year, he was also nominated for for the IRB Player of the Year Award in 2011, following a memorable performance at the Rugby World Cup.
Ma'a Nonu tramples over Jannie Du Plessis of the Springboks in 2010. Photo / Getty Images
10. He's moving to France
Following this year's Rugby World Cup, Nonu will relocate to France. He's signed a two year deal with French Top 14 side Toulon.
Ma'a Nonu meets Queen Elizabeth II in 2008. Photo / Getty Images
And we can safely say that Wellington's dreadlocked and eyelinered rugby star will be sorely missed.
