Rugby: Nonu's Hurricanes move confirmed

Ma'a Nonu. Photo / Getty Images.

Incoming Hurricanes coach Chris Boyd first guided Ma'a Nonu as part of the Wellington B side more than 10 years ago and they will reunite that partnership at Super Rugby level next season.

Since being shown the door at the Hurricanes by then-coach Mark Hammett in 2011, Nonu has bounced around New Zealand franchises with two stops at the Blues and a season with the Highlanders but the second-five will return to the capital next year to be closer to his family.

Nonu said he was thankful to the Blues, who he played for this year, for the support they had shown him, but was also grateful to be coming back to the Hurricanes.

"I'm very happy to be heading home to the family again and am looking forward to the challenge ahead in 2015."

Boyd said the skillset Nonu would bring to the Hurricanes would greatly complement the players already on the roster.

"I coached Ma'a for the first time back in the early 2000s in the Wellington B team, so we have a long history together as a player and coach.

"I'm really looking forward to having him back in the environment and working with him again."

Given midfielders Alapati Leiua and Tim Bateman are heading offshore, the Hurricanes needed to add a player in that area of the park and Nonu's long-time combination with centre Conrad Smith will also be useful to the side.