Tonga international says All Black brother is 'keen' on test rugby switch
The All Blacks may be set to lose a player to Tonga, possibly before next year’s World Cup, in the wake of World Rugby’s new eligibility laws.
The game’s global governing body voted to overhaul its one-nation-per-player policy late last year, enabling test-capped players to switch from one country to another after a three-year stand down period, provided they qualify for another nation via birthright.
Since the change in ruling, which came into effect on January 1, numerous players have become available to switch international allegiance, while many others will be able to do so later this year.
One of those players is All Blacks prop Atu Moli, who played the last of his four tests in New Zealand’s 2019 World Cup bronze final victory over Wales.
Injury has since plagued the 26-year-old, who can play on either side of the scrum, which has prevented him from taking to the field for the All Blacks over the past two seasons.
Should he miss selection for the All Blacks again this year, Moli will become eligible to play for Tonga from November 1, exactly three years to the day of his last test appearance, which falls just before the November test window.
That’s a prospect that excites Moli’s younger brother Sam, the three-test Tonga and Moana Pasifika hooker who made his international debut for the ‘Ikale Tahi against the All Blacks last July.
The younger Moli brother told RugbyPass on Wednesday that Atu is eager to represent his nation of heritage and said it would be “pretty cool” to line up alongside the Chiefs front rower at next year’s World Cup in France.
“I think it would be awesome to see that,” Sam, who is preparing to embark on his maiden Super Rugby campaign, said.
“I think my dad’s wanting us to play for our countries and I think he did kind of talk to me about it. He [Atu] just wants to see where his All Blacks career will take him, but I think he’s pretty keen to come over to Tonga.
“It’d be pretty cool to play with him at the next Rugby World Cup, if that’s the case.”
If Moli opts to swap the black jersey of New Zealand for the red jersey of Tonga, he would join a large contingent of internationally-capped players from other countries who are interested in playing for the ‘Ikale Tahi.
The Pacific Island nation has already acquired the services of former All Blacks midfielder Malakai Fekitoa and ex-Wallabies utility forward Lopeti Timani.
Former All Blacks outside back Charles Piutau and ex-Wallabies star Israel Folau are also available for immediate selection and are poised to make the switch this year.
Others who are eligible to play for Tonga, or will be by the time next year’s World Cup kicks-off, include ex-Wallabies duo Sekope Kepu and Adam Coleman, as well as former All Blacks trio Vaea Fifita, George Moala and Augustine Pulu.
Whether or not such a move will come to fruition for Moli remains to be seen, though, especially considering All Blacks head coach Ian Foster is reportedly interested in his progress during this year’s Super Rugby Pacific campaign.
One of the major criticisms from last year’s All Blacks season was the ineffectiveness of their props, and tight five as a whole, against more physical and skilful opponents from South Africa, Ireland and France.
Standing at 1.89m and 127kg, Moli is renowned for his size, strength and mobility, and may be viewed as a player who could resolve New Zealand’s issues up front.
All Blacks selection would likely be dependent on his fitness, though, as he has endured a horror run of injuries since 2018.
During that time, he has sustained a haematoma, compartment syndrome, chronic hip dysfunction and an elbow injury, all of which has severely limited his game time for the All Blacks, Chiefs and Tasman.
Younger brother Sam told RugbyPass that he hopes Atu stays injury-free throughout the course of the year, which could pave the way for a clash between the siblings when Moana Pasifika face the Chiefs on February 25 and April 15.
“When we found out [the draw], we kind of both laughed and I think it’s come to the point where we might bump heads at some stage, but I’m looking forward to it,” Sam joked.
“I hope he comes back from his injury, but it’d be good to play him.”
Comments on RugbyPass
Four Kiwis in that backline. A solid statement on the lack of invention, risk-taking and joy in the NH game; game of attrition and head- banging tedium. Longterm medical problems aplenty in the future!
1 Go to commentsGood article, I learnt quite a lot. A big sliding door moment was in the mid 00s when they rejected Steve Anderson's long term transformation and he wrote Ireland's strategy instead.
2 Go to commentsHi Dr Nick! I'm worried that I've started to enjoy watching England and have actually wanted them to win their last two games. What would you prescribe? On a more serious note, I've noticed that the standard of play in March is often better than early February. Do you think this is because of the weather or because the players have been together for longer?
10 Go to commentsMy question in all this brett is who is going to wear the consequences of these actions? Surely just getting the sack isn’t sufficient? A teenager working the till at woolies would probably get taken to court if they took $20 out of the till. You mean to tell me that someone can spend $2.6 million and get away with it? Where was it spent? What companies/people were the beneficiaries etc? How is it just being talked about as an ‘oopsie’ and we all just move on and not a matter of the court for gross negligence, fraud, take your pick…
18 Go to commentslove Manu too but England have relied on him coming back from injury for far too long and not sorted the position with someone else long term . It will be a blessing he has gone . Huge shame he was so injury prone . God speed Manu .
3 Go to commentsI agree with Ben Smith about Brett Cameron. The No. 6 position has to be a monster and a genuine lineout option, like Ollivon, Lawes (now Chessum), Du Toit, etc. The only player who fits that bill right now is Scott Barrett. A fit and fizzing Tuipolotu together with one of the young towers, Sam Darry or Josh Lord, would give Razor the freedom to play Barret at 6.
15 Go to commentsOutstanding article, Graham. Agree with all of it. And enjoy the style of writing too (particularly Grand Slap!).
2 Go to commentsI wouldn't pay a cent for that loafer. He just stands around, waiting for play to come his way. He won't make the Wallabies.
1 Go to commentsGood bit of te reo maori Nic. Or is that Niko or Nikora? On the theme of trees the Oaks v Totara. Game plan would be key. I have one but it would cost you.
10 Go to comments> Shaun Edwards’ You should not have to score 30 points to win a game, as exciting as it is. This statement was surprising to me. It is nonsensical .I guess it is a defence coach speaking. But head coach, defence and attacking coaches all work together. They are inseparable. You score more than the opposition to win. It only needs to be one score. You score whatever the game demands, whatever the opposition demand. You defend whatever it takes. The attack coach needs to be able to clock up 30pts if need be.
10 Go to commentsWho’d have thought, not having Farrell & Youngs kicking the ball at every possible opportunity and playing flat and allowing your centres to run and pass would pay off? No one could possibly have seen this coming. FML. It took a LONG time coming but at least that time has finally come. England need to find a backup to Lawrence. Freeman is the best candidate for me, I see no reason why he can't play 12. He's big, strong, fast and has great hands.
10 Go to commentsLove Manu but he's not the player he was and I imagine Bayonne have paid too much money for him.
3 Go to commentsNew Zealand have not beaten England since 2018 and even that was a pretty close shave.
1 Go to comments“a renewed focus on Scottish-qualified players” Scottish-qualified is another way of saying English. England has development more players for the Scotland national Rugby team in the last 4 years, than Scotland has.
2 Go to commentsThis sounds a lot like the old Welsh rugby proverb “Wales never lose. Other teams just score more points.”
5 Go to commentsFinally,at last, Borthwick has done what the whole of England have been crying out for. Ditch the kick chase and let the players have freedom to attack and run with the ball. It was great to see. Ford played really well and for the first time in ages was 5 yards closer to the gainline which then allowed a more attacking position . Pity it has taken 90 odd caps to do so. However, this has to continue and not be a false dawn . One issue. Marcus. With Ford having one really good game in 5 ,is he the answer long term . Smith puts bums on seats and is terrific to watch . How can you leave him out before he departs for France in disillusion . England are in danger of Simmons , Alex Goode , Cipriani , Mercer and now Smith being unable to get a selection ahead of “favourites” of the management regardless of form . Great to see England play so well .
2 Go to commentsCockerill was an abrasive player in the mould of a Georgian front rower who will have the respect of that pack. Looking forward to seeing what he can do with this exciting team, hopefully they can send a message to unions like Wales that money alone doesn't buy you wins.
2 Go to commentsI like the look of those July matches. Hopefully they'll get some good tests in November too.
2 Go to commentsThis is a poor article, essentially just trolling six nations teams
22 Go to commentsConnaught man? How you can write that without blushing.
6 Go to comments