Star All Blacks wing Mark Tele’a won’t be able to represent the Springboks at the 2027 World Cup in Australia.
The 28-year-old announced on social media that he will play his club rugby in Japan from next year, ruling himself out of All Blacks selection due to NZ Rugby’s policy that only those playing in New Zealand can represent the national team.
Tele’a will reportedly join Toyota Verblitz, led by former All Blacks head coaches Steve Hansen and Ian Foster, with the duration of his contract yet to be revealed.
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Should it be lengthy or extended at some point, Tele’a would give himself the option to switch Test allegiances.
The speedster made his last appearance for the All Blacks on 23 November 2024, so he would qualify to play for the Springboks or Samoa on 23 November 2027 under World Rugby’s eligibility rules as he has a South African father and a Samoan mother.
However, that would come too late for the 2027 World Cup, which takes place from 1 October to 13 November.
A more likely scenario is that Tele’a – who has scored 13 tries in 19 Tests and was named World Rugby’s Breakthrough Player of the Year in 2023 – returns to New Zealand for 2027 Super Rugby, putting himself back in All Blacks contention ahead of the global showpiece.
When asked on the What A Lad podcast ahead of the 2023 World Cup if he’d consider accepting a Springbok call-up, Tele’a said: “If they asked me and the moment was right, yeah [I would]. If Samoa approached me, [I’d say the same]. But right now, my mind is set where I am right now.”
Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
