Sport

Nonu open to rugby league switch

All Blacks centre Ma'a Nonu has stated he would be willing to switch codes and play rugby league in Australia after next year…

Tue Dec 19 2006 - 00:00

All Blacks centre Ma'a Nonu has stated he would be willing to switch codes and play rugby league in Australia after next year's World Cup.

Nonu was in Sydney at the weekend for a charity beach-football competition featuring a host of rugby stars, and after rubbing shoulders with some of the best players in the National Rugby League, the All Blacks centre told reporters he would be interested in playing the game professionally in Australia.

"I watch a lot of rugby league and really love the game," Nonu said. "I will have to see how it goes back home. I am contracted to the All Blacks until next year but I am willing to talk to (NRL) clubs."

Nonu (24) is rated as one of the most damaging outside backs in rugby, but has played league in the past and could fill several different positions. "I played a bit of league in school but it is not big over there (New Zealand)," he said. "I support the Bulldogs, (stand-off) Terry Lamb was one of my heroes . . . I'm not sure where I would play - it would just be where I could step in."

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If Nonu, who has 16 international caps, were to switch to league it would be a huge coup for the game after some of the NRL's star players, such as Wendell Sailor, Lote Tuqiri and Mat Rogers, went to rugby union over the last few years.Rogers recently got out of his contract with the Australian Rugby Union and Tuqiri revealed he too is considering a return to rugby league.

Welsh Rugby Union chief executive Steve Lewis and Millennium Stadium boss Paul Sergeant are to step down from their high-profile roles.

The announcements were made by new WRU group chief executive Roger Lewis, who also confirmed the WRU are to create a new post of director of elite performance.

That would mean the creation of an England-style post - recently filled by Rob Andrew - to work with new head coach Gareth Jenkins.

Lewis is said to be considering other rugby-related matters, while Sergeant is to pursue opportunities in the Southern Hemisphere.

Gerry Toms, a former police chief superintendent, will move up from safety and operations manager to become Millennium Stadium manager. He will be responsible for the running of the stadium, with Roger Lewis becoming more involved in the promotional aspects of the business, working closely with events and commercial teams.