Rugby star Ma’a Nonu re-signs with Legion for 2024 season – The San Diego Union-Tribune
One of the biggest names in rugby will stay in San Diego.
The San Diego Legion announced Monday that it has re-signed Ma’a Nonu, a legendary All Blacks player and two-time Rugby World Champion.
A native of Wellington, New Zealand, the 41-year-old Nonu is viewed as one of the biggest names in Major League Rugby. He was a key last season as San Diego advanced to the MLR championship game.
“‘The Legend’ is back for another year. We are thrilled to have Ma’a back for the 2024 MLR season after an outstanding 2023,” said Danny Lee, the Legion’s coach and director of rugby. “Ma’a had a major influence on our team last season on and off the field and was a major factor in us having a very successful season, playing in the MLR final and us breaking Club and League records along the way.”
Few players in MLR can match Nonu’s pedigree. In addition to his two World Cup titles, he’s also captured five Tri-Nations championship and eight Bledisloe Cups, given annually to the winner of the match between Australia and New Zealand’s national rugby teams. Nonu was named New Zealand’s Player of the Year in 2015. A year later, ht was named Sportsperson of the Year. He is a member of the New Zealand Order of Merit.
San Diego opens to the 2024 MLR season on March 2 with a game at the Seattle Seawolves. The Legion open their home schedule two weeks later with a game against Los Angeles. On April 14, the Legion will host the New England Free Jacks in a rematch of last year’s MLR Final.
Compiled in part from a news release.
