# Rugby: New Zealand wing, Mark Tele’a, says he will leave the Blues at the end of the season to play in Japan, ruling him out of the All Blacks selection in 2026. He will reportedly join Toyota Verblitz, led by former New Zealand head coaches Steve Hansen and Ian Foster. Tele’a has scored 13 tries in 19 Tests for the All Blacks and in 2023 was named World Rugby’s breakthrough player of the year. New Zealand has barred national selection for players if they are not contracted domestically.
Rugby: Mark Tele’a becomes the latest All Black to make the switch to Japan