New generation incoming: 'Mark Tele'a has assessed the lay of the land'

Mark Tele’a’s days as an All Black are over. That’s the prevailing belief now the winger has opted to play out his career in Japan, despite remaining eligible for the remainder of 2025 as he sees out his New Zealand Rugby contract.

While being 28 years of age, Tele’a is still relatively new to the international arena as something of a late bloomer in his rugby career. That factor added shock value to the announcement of his move, and so too did the idea of a global star in their prime voluntarily stepping away from the most iconic jersey in rugby.

Still, the news has been received with understanding in many circles, given the rugby world is a “volatile industry” and players are often “flavour of the month one moment, gone the next”. Those are the words of Kiwi journalist and insider Liam Napier, who shared his thoughts in the wake of the move.

“Security and cash. I don’t think you can make any bones about it, that the chance to set yourself up from a financial perspective, the independence that brings as a 28-year-old winger,” Napier explained to Newstalk ZB‘s D’Arcy Waldegrave.

“Wingers do tend to expire earlier than other players. There’s a history of All Black greats; Jeff Wilson, Christian Cullen, Jonah Lomu, none of these guys played for the All Blacks beyond the age of 27 years old. So, wingers do tend to get surpassed earlier than others.

“If you look at one position where bolters seem to come out of the woodwork – a Nehe Milner-Skudder, Waisake Naholo – come World Cup time, the All Blacks, and other teams, tend to select on form.

“So, Mark Tele’a has assessed the lay of the land here, he’s going to double his wage as I understand it, going up to Japan to play for Toyota, Steve Hansen and Ian Foster’s team up there.

“So, from his perspective, he’s weighed up adding a few All Blacks Tests, scoring a few tries, potentially, but no guarantees, contesting another World Cup, or setting himself up for life.”

The Aucklander parts ways with his local club, the Blues, as a Super Rugby Pacific champion and a central figure in two New Zealand campaigns, including a World Cup. However, Napier also highlighted Tele’a’s inadvertent role in one of the All Blacks’ biggest dramas of 2024.

“By all accounts that was one of the sticking points between Razor and Leon MacDonald; Leon MacDonald favoured Mark Tele’a and Razor (Scott Robertson) favoured Sevu Reece.”

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

4

Draws

0

Wins

1

Average Points scored

27

21

First try wins

60%

Home team wins

80%

That selection debate is unlikely to continue in Naper’s eyes.

“I think if you’re Razor, you’re probably looking to move on. Mark’s available, by all accounts, until the back end of this year… but you’re probably looking to move on and invest in others.

“You’re two years out from a World Cup, you want to be starting to build plans around your outside backs and solidifying some combinations. So, there’s a real chance he has played his last Test.”

As for the future of the wing position, there are numerous Kiwis putting their hand up for higher honours, and while none offer quite the X-factor of Tele’a at this very moment, the potential is vast.

“There’s probably not a like-for-like replacement. Mark’s a very unique character in the way he plays the game; very, very deceptive, he doesn’t look fast or strong, he’s a quite slight build. But there’s nobody out there quite like him.

“I think Caleb Clarke’s a lock on the left wing. He is the incumbent. By the end of the year last year, he really established his presence there. And then you are probably looking at Sevu Reece, who has been good at the Crusaders this year.

“Chay Fihaki’s another one, he was a surprising inclusion as injury cover in the All Blacks last year. There was suggestions of Crusaders’ bias around his inclusion but he has been really strong on the wing for the Crusaders when he’s played this season.

“And then you’ve got two 22-year-old prospects in the mix – on the fringe anyway – Caleb Tangitau has been a revelation for the Highlanders, and Macca Springer at the Crusaders is in good form.

“If you’re looking for power options you’ve got guys like Kini Naholo, or a (Timoci) Tavatavanawai – although he’s playing in the midfield and his form’s dipped a little bit.

“It depends on the type of winger that Razor’s looking for, does he want a fast finisher? Does he want another power wing to complement Caleb Clarke?

“You’ve also got Leicester Fainga’anuku coming back from France, and he, by all accounts, is going to be available from the Rugby Championship onwards in August, having signed for the Crusaders next year.

“He’s predominantly played centre for Toulon up in France for the past two years but has played wing as well for the Crusaders.

“So, a lot of options there, it’s going to be interesting to see which way they go.”