Former All Blacks wing Mark Tele\u2019a could become a shock Springboks international after reports confirmed he will be eligible to represent South Africa under World Rugby\u2019s nationality regulations.<\/p>\n
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\u2019a is now on course to become eligible for South Africa in time for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u2b50 Save us to your Google Favourites <\/a>for nonstop RUCK content!<\/p>\n Why Tele\u2019a can switch nations<\/p>\n World Rugby\u2019s updated eligibility laws allow players to change international allegiance once if they:<\/p>\n Have been out of Test rugby for at least three years.<\/p>\n Were born, or have a parent or grandparent born, in their new country.<\/p>\n Have not previously switched nations.<\/p>\n Tele\u2019a 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n A huge boost for Rassie Erasmus?<\/p>\n While there has been no indication that Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus has approached Tele\u2019a, the prospect of adding one of world rugby\u2019s most dangerous finishers will inevitably spark excitement among South African supporters.<\/p>\n Tele\u2019a burst onto the Test scene in 2022 and quickly established himself as one of the All Blacks\u2019 most potent attacking weapons, combining blistering pace with outstanding footwork and remarkable strength in contact.<\/p>\n He was a key member of New Zealand\u2019s squad during the 2023 Rugby World Cup and scored some memorable tries in black before his international career came to an end.<\/p>\n The Springboks are already stacked<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n Whether Tele\u2019a 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.<\/p>\n Editors Picks:<\/p>\n Springboks handed toughest route to 2027 Rugby World Cup final<\/p>\n South Africa\u2019s quest for an unprecedented third successive Rugby World Cup title is beginning to take shape after the 2027 tournament draw was confirmed.<\/p>\n Rassie Erasmus\u2019 side have been handed a favourable pool on paper, but the knockout stages promise far tougher challenges. We take a look at the Springboks\u2019 projected route to the final and the obstacles standing between them and more history.<\/p>\n Pool stage draw<\/p>\n South Africa have been placed in Pool B alongside Italy, Georgia and Romania.<\/p>\n It looks like a favourable draw for the reigning world champions, with Italy expected to be their biggest rival for first place. Georgia\u2019s physical approach and Romania\u2019s powerful set piece should still demand respect, but South Africa will expect to top the group.<\/p>\n