Blues and Chiefs In Race for Ma'a Nonu

The race is very much on for unwanted All Blacks second five-eighth, Ma'a Nonu.

While the Hurricanes and Highlanders have said no to the 31 year old, the two other Te Ika-a-Maui (that's North Island for you English speakers) Super Rugby franchises are chasing Ma'a's signature for the 2014 Super Rugby campaign.

The Chiefs who earlier said they wouldn't be chasing Ma'a Nonu have now joined the race following Sonny Bill Williams' turning them down for the 2014 season at least. With Richard Kahui gone, the Chiefs are very short in the midfield, so Ma'a Nonu would be the perfect fit for Dave Rennie's side.

Is Dave Rennie the man to get the best out of Ma'a in Super Rugby?

Ma'a Nonu joining the Chiefs could be a marriage made in heaven for both parties - Nonu would dearly like to win a Super Rugby title and the Chiefs are definitely favourites for that right now. Dave Rennie also would be favourite to get the best out of the mercurial midfielder who is said to be a divisive figure in the dressing room if the rumours from the media are to be believed - and also get some strength behind the likes of Bundee Aki, Tim Nanai-Williams, et. al as they push for a hat-trick of titles.

John Kirwan is also chasing Ma'a Nonu's signature - it appears both parties have made up following Nonu's sudden change of heart to leave the Blues and go to the Highlanders. Nonu going to the Blues may not be good though for Francis Sai'ili even if it does mean that Nonu and Weepu will once again be together.

Watch this space but I think it's safe to expect Nonu to be playing Super Rugby in New Zealand next season.