‘Huge loss’ for Scott Robertson as Mark Tele’a leaves ‘in his prime’ as All Blacks jersey lustre dwindles
Mark Tele'a ends speculation over his future confirming his departure from the Blues.
In a hammer blow to the Blues and All Blacks, winger Mark Tele’a has opted to leave New Zealand at the end of the season.
The 28-year-old has confirmed that he will be heading to Japan following the conclusion of the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season.
Mark Tele’a confirms his departure
The 2023 World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year has not confirmed which team he will be joining upon his departure from the Blues, but recent reports have linked Tele’a with a move to the Ian Foster and Sir Steve Hansen-led Toyota Verblitz.
“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 in an Instagram post confirming his departure.
“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. But on to the next chapter for myself much love.”
Tele’a has played 19 Tests for the All Blacks since making his Test debut in November 2022, scoring 13 tries in the black jersey.
He is the latest All Blacks star to leave New Zealand while still being one of the starting choices in the black jersey, following the likes of Shannon Frizell and Richie Mo’unga in heading to Japan.
He is likely to serve as a replacement for former NRL star Joey Manu at Verblitz, who has impressed since making the switch to union, scoring 10 tries in 15 matches.
Blues and All Blacks teammate Harry Plummer is also set to leave New Zealand at the end of the season, with the playmaker joining Top 14 outfit Clermont.
With Tele’a heading to Japan, the likes of Emoni Narawa, Caleb Tangitau, Leroy Carter, Chay Fihaki and Kini Naholo will all be eager to fill his void in Scott Robertson’s squad while utility back Leicester Fainga’anuku will be back in the selection frame next year, if not sooner, after penning a deal to rejoin the Crusaders from Toulon.
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All Blacks’ jersey lustre dwindles
While New Zealand have never been short on options out wide and there are promising contenders at Super Rugby Pacific level to replace Tele’a, ex-All Blacks winger Jeff Wilson believes that Tele’a departure is a huge blow.
“To hear the news that it looks as though Mark Tele’a is going to head offshore, and he’s not going to be available to the All Blacks at the next Rugby World Cup… this is the 2023 Breakthrough Player of the Year,” Wilson told The Breakdown earlier this week.
“I don’t know if we can do more to keep our players in New Zealand but this really concerns me. This guy is a superstar, not just in our game for the All Blacks but for the Blues as well – one of our great superstars.
“I’m concerned right now, Mark Tele’a I think is a huge loss if he’s heading offshore, and I understand that’s where things are heading. He’s a bit different to what we’ve had before; the strength, the footwork in small spaces through the middle of the park. He’s in his prime, I think he has two, three, four good years in him, but now it looks like we’re going to lose that.”
Fellow former New Zealand outside back Mils Muliaina is concerned that the All Blacks jersey no longer has the lure it used to have.
“The worrying part for me is this is an All Blacks side that is relatively new and the drive of the black jersey must not be a thing for these guys,” he said.
“What are New Zealand Rugby doing about that financial side? We’ve lost a sponsor, that’s taken a big hit. Are we getting creative because this subject has always been there?”
