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All Blacks Star Mark Tele'a ConfirmsJapan in 2026

The winger's decision to leave New Zealand Rugby highlights a growing trend of top players seeking lucrative overseas contracts, raising concerns ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

Tele’a is leaving the Blues for Japan at the end of the Super Rugby season
New Zealand wing Mark Tele'a has announced he will move to Japan next season
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Overview

  • Mark Tele'a announced he will leave the Auckland Blues at the end of the season to play rugby in Japan starting in 2026, making him ineligible for All Blacks selection in 2026.
  • Tele'a, a standout player since his All Blacks debut in 2022, was named World Rugby's 'Breakthrough Player of the Year' in 2023 and has scored 13 tries in 19 tests.
  • Media reports suggest Tele'a may join Toyota Verblitz, a Japanese club coached by former All Blacks leaders Steve Hansen and Ian Foster, though contract details remain undisclosed.
  • His departure underscores a broader trend of New Zealand players, including Richie Mo'unga and Shannon Frizell, pursuing high-paying contracts abroad, raising concerns about talent retention.
  • The move has reignited debates over New Zealand Rugby's policy barring overseas-based players from national team selection, as coach Scott Robertson faces challenges in maintaining team depth.