All Blacks and Blues winger Mark Tele’a is set to sign with Japanese club Toyota Verblitz at the end of this year’s Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific season.
The 28-year-old’s contract with NZ Rugby Union expires at the end of this season and he is not thinking of renewing it.
While announcing his move, Tele’a says it has been an amazing ride with many fantastic memories and amazing people.
Tele’a says after much thought, he has decided that from next year, he will play his rugby in Japan.
He acknowledged his fellow players, coaches, administrators and fans for making the past years so special for him.
He says he has always been grateful and blessed for the journey, but it is on to the next chapter for himself.
Tele’a’s move now rules him out of contention for a place in the All Blacks squad for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
Meanwhile, Tele’a and the Blues will head to Christchurch this week to take on the Crusaders in round 10 of the Super Rugby Pacific.
The Blues will play the Crusaders at 7.05pm Friday at Orangetheory Stadium.
In other matches this week, the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua will host the Waratahs at 2.05pm Saturday in Lautoka, Moana Pasifika will take on the Brumbies at 4.35pm Saturday, the Chiefs will take on the Highlanders at 7.05pm Saturday and the Western Force will take on the Hurricanes at 9.35pm Saturday.
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