19-cap All Blacks star could soon play for the Springboks

The explosive winger, who starred for New Zealand at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, has moved to Japan – effectively putting his All Blacks career on hold under New Zealand Rugby’s overseas selection policy.

However, the 29-year-old could eventually have another route into Test rugby.

Tele’a qualifies for South Africa through his father, who was born in Johannesburg, while he can also represent Samoa through his mother.

Tele’a won 19 caps for the All Blacks, scoring 13 tries after making his Test debut against Scotland in 2022.

His last New Zealand appearance came against Italy on 23 November 2024.

Under World Rugby regulations, a capped player can switch allegiance following a three-year stand-down, provided they have a qualifying connection to their new country.

That means Tele’a could become eligible for the Springboks from 23 November 2027, provided he does not represent New Zealand again.

That would come just after the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia, meaning any potential Springbok career would have to begin in the following World Cup cycle.

Intriguingly, Tele’a has previously opened the door to representing South Africa.

Asked whether he would consider playing for the Springboks if approached, he said: “If they asked me and the moment was right, yeah.”

There would be no guarantee of selection, particularly given South Africa’s enormous depth out wide.

However, the Springboks have previously benefited from World Rugby’s change of allegiance rules.

Jean Kleyn represented Ireland before switching to South Africa and becoming a World Cup winner in 2023.

The prospect of a 19-cap All Black pulling on the famous green and gold would add another remarkable chapter to rugby’s greatest rivalry.