Nonu Munster move unlikely

MUNSTER’S interest in signing New Zealand legend Ma’a Nonu has been put on hold and it’s now apparent he won’t figure in their plans for at least another 18 months, if at all.

Speculation in New Zealand media last week appears off the mark, although Munster have made serious enquiries about his availability.

Reports in New Zealand on Saturday claimed Nonu was ready to join former All Black colleague Doug Howlett with the two-time European champions after next year’s World Cup, but it’s not going to happen according to Munster’s top source.

Munster’s Chief Executive Garret Fitzgerald said yesterday Nonu would not be heading here any time soon, because he is contracted to the NZRU until the June following the 2011 World Cup.

Fitzgerald admitted Nonu was one of the players chased down for future involvement with Munster. “We’re always on the look-out for suitable people to play for us and buy into our product.

“In any one year, we would be looking at a pool of available players, maybe a group of up to 20, to see whether one or two might suit our requirements. This is an ongoing thing; in the case of Nonu, I understand the player has commitments, like others, following the World Cup that would preclude them from moving to the northern hemisphere.

“Therefore, as of now, we are not in the market to sign that particular player.”