New Zealand winger Mark Tele’a will depart from the Auckland Blues at the conclusion of the 2025 season to pursue rugby in Japan, putting him out of contention for All Blacks selection in 2026.
Tele’a, a 28 year old player has been a standout performer since his international debut in 2022, scoring 13 tries in 19 tests. He was a key player in the All Blacks’ run to the 2023 World Cup final and was awarded World Rugby’s “Breakthrough Player of the Year” that year. His exit comes amidst an increasing number of New Zealand players leaving to play overseas on big money contracts, with the domestic game left to wonder whether it can retain its best.
Although Tele’a has not made an official announcement about his destination it is reported that he will be joining Toyota Verblitz, a Japanese club with former All Blacks coaches Steve Hansen and Ian Foster at the helm. The transfer highlights the financial appeal of foreign clubs which tend to have more lucrative deals than New Zealand clubs.
In a statement, Tel’’a thanked him for his time at the Blues and the All Blacks, stating, “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.”
The Blues recognized Tele’a influence, saying, “A dominant force on the field, Mark’s presence in the locker room is just as overwhelming. We will celebrate appropriately at the end of the season but until then we’ve got work to do.”
Tele’a departure joins a long list of All Blacks players signing up with teams abroad, following in the footsteps of Richie Mo’unga and Shannon Frizell leaving everyone speculating on New Zealand rugby’s chances on the world stage going forward.
