All Blacks Wing Tele'a Confirms Move to Japan for 2026 Season

All Blacks winger Mark Tele'a has confirmed he will leave the Auckland Blues to play rugby in Japan next year, effectively ruling him out of All Blacks selection for the 2026 season. Tele'a, recognized as World Rugby's Breakthrough Player of the Year in 2023, scored 13 tries in 19 Tests and was pivotal in New Zealand's run to the 2023 World Cup final. While he did not disclose the club he will join, reports suggest he is set to sign with Toyota Verblitz, coached by former All Blacks coaches Steve Hansen and Ian Foster. His departure highlights a growing trend of New Zealand players moving overseas for lucrative contracts, raising concerns about the impact on domestic rugby and national team selection policies. All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson has advocated for a policy change to allow the selection of overseas-based players, amid fears that the allure of the All Blacks jersey may be waning. The Auckland Blues acknowledged Tele'a's contributions and expressed their intention to celebrate his time with the team at the end of the season.