This elusive All Blacks winger could become available for Springboks selection in three years time and he is open to it.
All Blacks winger, Marke Tele’a has just announced that he will be playing his rugby in Japan.
Interestingly, the New Zealander has a parent from Johannesburg, South Africa. Meaning, he could earn illegibility to play for the Springboks in three years time. This is a move that would send shockwaves through the rugby world. A move that the All Blacks has stated he would consider and take.
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ALL BLACKS STAR OPEN TO PLAYING FOR THE SPRINGBOKS
Tele’a has been a nightmare for Springbok defenders in recent year.
Now, the Bok nightmare can dream of playing for the Boks in the future. As mentioned, Tele’a has a parent from South Africa. More specifically, his father was born in Johannesburg.
Therefore, he could represent the Boks in 2027 if he does not play for the All Blacks in the next three years. To make matter even more interesting, Tele’a has stated that he would play for the Springboks if the offer was on the table.
“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,” Tele’a responded to questions over the possibility of playing for the Springboks in the future,” Tele’a stated on What a Lad podcast, according to IOL.
TELE’A ANNOUNCES JAPAN MOVE
The Blues and All Blacks winger bid farewell to the Blues community earlier today.
“It’s been an amazing ride so many fantastic memories and amazing people… But after much thought I have decided from next year I will play my rugby in Japan,” Tele’a wrote on Instagram.
“Thanks to fellow players, coaches, administrators and fans! for making the past years so special for me, always been grateful and blessed for the journey,” he added.
Media reports suggest that he will be joining Japanese outfit, Toyota Verblitz who are coached by former All Blacks head coaches Steve Hansen and Ian Foster.
CAN YOU IMAGINE TELE’A PLAYING FOR THE SPRINGBOKS IN THE FUTURE? IF HE BECOMES ILEGIBLE, WOULD HE START FOR THE BOKS?
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