Unfamiliar territory for veteran Nonu

Slogging it out with a bunch of lesser known players in November and December isn’t something Blues midfielder Ma’a Nonu is accustomed to.

However, having returned to New Zealand after a three-year stint playing in Europe, the 36-year-old former All Blacks midfielder had better get used to it.

The Blues posted a photo of Nonu taking part in a fitness drill yesterday, with the caption ‘‘flogged’’.

Like the other four New Zealand Super Rugby franchises, the Blues started pre-season training on Thursday.

All Blacks don’t usually return to their franchises until late January or February. Players tied up with the New Zealand Maori end-of-yeartour also get an extended break.

In other words, Nonu, who played 103 tests for the All Blacks before heading for Europe after the 2015 World Cup, hasn’t taken part in the early stages of pre-season training since early in his career.

Nonu will turn 37 during next year’s Super campaign, but is reportedly in top shape.

He signed with the Aucklandbased franchise in September, marking his third stint with the team.

Nonu, who played the bulk of his career for the Hurricanes, also played for the Highlanders in 2013.

The Kiwi teams will continue pre-season until just before Christmas. After a break over the festive season, they’ll return to duty in early January.

Super Rugby kicks off on February 15, when the Chiefs host the Highlanders in Hamilton.

The Leon MacDonald-coached Blues host the defending champion Crusaders at Eden Park the following night.