The Rugby World Cup is fast approaching, and fans across the globe will be tuning in to follow their favourite teams and watch their favourite players. It’s one of the biggest dates on the rugby calendar and the top prize is one of the sport’s most prestigious.
Ma’a Nonu is one of the most exciting players in rugby today. Could he make an appearance at the 2023 World Cup? Let’s find out.
Who is Ma’a Nonu?
Ma’a Nonu is a professional rugby player from New Zealand. He usually plays in an inside centre position but can also play in the wing and outside centre positions.
He turned pro in 2002, and since has played for a string of rugby union teams, including Wellington, the Hurricanes, Blues, and Toulon.
He made his international debut for New Zealand in 2003 and has since made 103 appearances for his home country. He has proved to be one of the most important players for New Zealand, and was instrumental in the All Blacks’ RWC victories in 2011 and 2015.
Ma’a Nonu is considered by many to be one of the greatest central players of all time. He is famed for his strength, speed, and his ability to smash defensive lines with ease.
When is the Rugby World Cup?
This year’s Rugby World Cup will take place from the 8th of September to the 28th of October. It’s set to be the 10th edition of the tournament, and this year it will be held in a range of stadiums across France.
A total of 20 teams will take part in this year’s Rugby World Cup, including major nations like France, South Africa, Wales, and Italy, as well as smaller countries such as Georgia, Namibia, and Romania.
France are currently the favourite to lift the trophy, but as we know fine well, anything can happen in sport.
Will Ma’a Nonu Make an Appearance?
Rugby is a physically demanding game that carries the risk of serious injury. As a result, the career of professional rugby players is usually a short one, with the majority retiring in their early 30s.
This is the age at which we reach our physical peak, so it makes sense that rugby players and other professional athletes tend to call it quits around this time.
However, we do see outliers; players who can continue playing for longer and remain at the top of their game well into their late 30s and even early 40s. Ma’a Nonu certainly falls into this category, he is still playing professional rugby at the incredible age of 41.
While Ma’a Nonu’s appearance at the Rugby World Cup hasn’t been confirmed, there’s certainly nothing stopping him from playing a part. However, in an interesting twist, he could opt to represent Samoa rather than New Zealand, thanks to a rule change that makes it easier for players to swap home nations.
Conclusion
Despite being 41 years old, Ma’a Nonu is still playing rugby, and could well make an appearance at this year’s world cup. Whether he would play for New Zealand or Samoa remains to be seen.
This is a submitted article
