New Zealand centre Ma'a Nonu confirms he will leave the Auckland Blues to 'return home' to the Wellington Hurricanes

Nonu was dropped by former coach

All Blacks center Ma'a Nonu will return to the Wellington-based Hurricanes in Super Rugby next season on the departure of head coach Mark Hammett who dropped him four years ago.

Hammett's first step when he took charge of the Hurricanes in 2011 was to cut Nonu and All Blacks hooker Andrew Hore from the squad, saying they were part of a disruptive clique of senior players.

Nonu played for the next two seasons for the Dunedin-based Highlanders before joining the Auckland Blues for the current season. The Wellington-born center confirmed on Wednesday he is rejoining the Hurricanes to be closer to his family.

Nonu said "I'm very happy to be heading home to the family again and am looking forward to the challenge ahead in 2015."

AP