All Blacks star reveals he's open to swapping nations to arch rivals

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Mark Tele'a is heading to Japan — but his rugby journey might just be getting started.

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The electric All Blacks winger has confirmed a move to the Japanese league, but what's really got tongues wagging is what could come after that.

FROM BLACK TO GREEN?

Here's the kicker: Tele'a has South African heritage through his father, who was born in Johannesburg. That means he could qualify to play for the Springboks by the end of 2027, as long as he doesn’t add to his All Blacks caps in the next three years.

Yes, you read that right. The very same Tele'a who's been tearing defences apart in black could one day line up in green and gold.

TELE'A SPEAKS OUT

Speaking on the What a Lad podcast, the try-scoring machine didn't rule it out.

"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," he said.

That's hardly a no.

SPRINGBOKS' FORMER NIGHTMARE… FUTURE HERO?

Tele'a has given South African fans headaches on the field — but soon, they might be cheering him on. A Springbok jersey could await the Auckland-born speedster, and it would be one of the most sensational switches the game has seen.

Keep your eyes on this one. Tele'a might just break the internet and the gainline.

Six England players who could swap nations before the 2027 Rugby World Cup

With World Rugby's eligibility laws allowing players to switch allegiance after a three-year stand-down period, a number of familiar faces from England's past and present could soon be wearing different colours on the international stage.

Here’s a look at six England stars who could make a major international switch before the 2027 Rugby World Cupin Australia.

Manu Tuilagi – England to Samoa

The most high-profile name on this list, Manu Tuilagi, has long been the bulldozing presence in England’s midfield. Born in Samoa, the 33-year-old is eligible to represent the Pacific Island nation after completing the three-year stand-down rule.

With his England career coming to an end last year and the next generation of centres taking over, Tuilagi could provide Samoa with a major boost in 2027 if he stays fit during his time in France.

Bio:
Position: Centre
Age: 33
England caps: 60+
Club: Sale Sharks
Born in: Fogapoa, Samoa

Dan Kelly – England to Ireland

Dan Kelly has one cap for England, earned under Eddie Jones in 2021. However, because more than three years will have passed by the time of the 2027 Rugby World Cup, and since he has Irish heritage through his Dublin-born mother, he would be eligible to switch to Ireland under World Rugby's revised eligibility laws.

Ireland could be a serious option if his international pathway with England remains blocked.

Bio:
Position: Centre
Age: 23
England caps: 0
Club: Leicester Tigers
Eligible through: Irish mother

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