Former All Blacks wing Mark Tele’a could become a shock Springboks international after reports confirmed he will be eligible to represent South Africa under World Rugby’s nationality regulations.
The explosive outside back, who won 19 Test caps for New Zealand, is understood to qualify for the Springboks through his South African-born father. After stepping away from the All Blacks, Tele’a is now on course to become eligible for South Africa in time for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
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Why Tele’a can switch nations
World Rugby’s updated eligibility laws allow players to change international allegiance once if they:
Have been out of Test rugby for at least three years.
Were born, or have a parent or grandparent born, in their new country.
Have not previously switched nations.
Tele’a satisfies the ancestry requirement through his father, meaning his three-year stand-down period is now the only hurdle before he could pull on the green and gold.
A huge boost for Rassie Erasmus?
While there has been no indication that Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus has approached Tele’a, the prospect of adding one of world rugby’s most dangerous finishers will inevitably spark excitement among South African supporters.
Tele’a burst onto the Test scene in 2022 and quickly established himself as one of the All Blacks’ most potent attacking weapons, combining blistering pace with outstanding footwork and remarkable strength in contact.
He was a key member of New Zealand’s squad during the 2023 Rugby World Cup and scored some memorable tries in black before his international career came to an end.
The Springboks are already stacked
South Africa are hardly short of options out wide, with Cheslin Kolbe, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Canan Moodie and Makazole Mapimpi all featuring prominently under Erasmus.
The world champions have also continued to build depth, recently naming a 43-man squad for their upcoming Rugby Championship fixtures against Argentina and New Zealand.
Whether Tele’a eventually receives a call-up remains to be seen, but the possibility of a former All Black lining up for the Springboks would rank among the most remarkable international switches rugby has ever seen.
Editors Picks:
Springboks handed toughest route to 2027 Rugby World Cup final
South Africa’s quest for an unprecedented third successive Rugby World Cup title is beginning to take shape after the 2027 tournament draw was confirmed.
Rassie Erasmus’ side have been handed a favourable pool on paper, but the knockout stages promise far tougher challenges. We take a look at the Springboks’ projected route to the final and the obstacles standing between them and more history.
Pool stage draw
South Africa have been placed in Pool B alongside Italy, Georgia and Romania.
It looks like a favourable draw for the reigning world champions, with Italy expected to be their biggest rival for first place. Georgia’s physical approach and Romania’s powerful set piece should still demand respect, but South Africa will expect to top the group.
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Round of 16
The Springboks are currently projected to face the runner-up from Pool E, which is likely to be Japan or the USA depending on how that group develops.
Either side would be viewed as a manageable opponent, although South Africa will not have forgotten their famous defeat to Japan in 2015. They should still be expected to progress comfortably.
Quarter-finals
A quarter-final against one of the leading Tier 1 nations appears most likely, with New Zealand or Australia the probable opponents. England are an outside possibility, but that would require them to finish third in their pool, making that scenario unlikely.
Pool A is expected to be won by either New Zealand or Australia. While the All Blacks look stronger on paper, Australia will benefit from home advantage. Whoever emerges will provide South Africa’s first major challenge of the tournament.