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
A Turtle has more pace and leg drive than Owen Franks, so it’s a good thing he only had to run 90 metres for that try.
2 Go to commentsOh Tamati Tua was in the vastly over-rated Leon MacDonalds Blues system? Well, no wonder he was wasted, much like Emoni Narawa and Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens under MacDonald. now look at them. Good thing Tua isn’t eligible, the Aussies latch on to any player who isn’t tied down.
2 Go to commentsMark Telea is a lot of things, but a defensive juggernaut has never been one of them. There will be far bigger tests in that regard for the youngster.
10 Go to commentsLove and respect to Fiji but not a chance outside of 7s
4 Go to commentsGood summation Ned. Agree the Canes were out-muscled for once (except at the scrum!) by a focused Brumbies outfit. Tua deserves consideration for higher honors after the way he humbled Jordie and the Canes defense. Thankfully, his lack of eligibility for Oz keeps him from Joe’s plans. While I also agree the injuries affected the Canes performance, some players seemed to lack focus and intensity for this match. Perhaps after the Blues demolished the Brumbies, they thought it was going to be easy? A good reminder that any slip up in preparation can have a big affect on the result. Brumbies deserved that win.
2 Go to commentsKarl Dixon should never have been appointed this fixture, absolute disgrace, He’s not much of a referee anyway, didn't have the balls to send his mate care off
5 Go to commentsBrilliant article! Harry of 8/9
1 Go to comments‘UK athletes' have been in the NFL from the start.
1 Go to commentsIt’s going to be Scott Barrett. He’s the coaches mate and captain of a previously elite team. Ardie a great option but scooter has worked with the coach and Ardie still as big a leader as needed.
23 Go to commentsI commend Colin Scotts bio All Balls. He was the first Aussie to make it to NFL. But he was poached and did a full apprenticeship at the University of Hawaii. He was 130kgs surfed played 1st grade cricket etc. big guy by normal but not NFL standards and a top athlete. Even then the nfl were picking up Tongans and Samoans for their natural size and explosive power. They want explosive power not cardio from the big boys so a guy like Taniela Tupou would have been good if picked up young enough. He has fast twitch and they’d bulk the little lad up and give him something to do. soccer teams set up academies and look for Over Sara’s talent eg Messi was at Barcelona since a teenager and harry kewell went to Leeds as a teenager like 16 or something.
11 Go to commentsThe article alludes to the fact that this isn’t about picking a captain. But picking a great captain. So who would make for a great All Black captain - not just an obvious or safe shoo-in? I’m not sure Ardie’s the guy and Barret doesn’t stand out either.
23 Go to commentsI guess we may all agree on the fact, that the ABs and Boks are the two in contest for No 1 in rugby history (the triple-A sort of) …. the Wallabies, England and France are the next tier, with Ireland being the new kid in town (AA) …. in my view it makes little sense creating imaginary competitions (unless you have too much time to waste)
45 Go to commentsWhat a joke. Total joke and the pundits commentating, all of whom know a bit about the game, could barely disguise their contempt. Reaching for the card then pulling back when he realised a red card would carry further match suspensions is simply not his decision to make. A clear and obvious influence on the outcome of this match and indeed, the championship path.
5 Go to commentsI like the idea, in NZ the Ranfurly Shield and NPC coexist, both having their own bragging rights. The World Cup would be the pinnacle, but the competition and travels of these trophies would be interesting.
45 Go to commentsDon’t worry Sonny bill Williams leave that awkward situation about the curfew in the pass whoever it was it doesn’t matter its no big deal we back our All Blacks through the storm and the thunder until we see the Sun light again.
42 Go to commentsWho listens to this retard? He was a massive liability as a player but obviously a media sensation
42 Go to commentsI’m not surprised by such ‘virtue signalling’ by Sonny Boy. Butter wouldn’t melt in his mouth. He’s such a pious Islamic muppet, imo.
42 Go to commentsI’ve actually never heard of the guy (then I don’t watch League as it is boring). But if he is good enough.. then good luck to him. If not, well, he can always return to league.
2 Go to commentsIt is pretty clear that by almost any measure that NZ are a more successful rugby nation than South Africa. Quite aside from the distasteful events during the last RWC final. NZ lead SA in all significant measurements.
45 Go to commentsDickson went to his pocket for a card, saw who it was, changed his mind and spoke at length to TMO. One angle clearly shows Care diving over a Saints player to kill the ball. 1st yellow, reason given for not Red was player was falling backwards. He was only falling backwards after contact with Lawes. Graham try should have stood. Mitchell did not have both hands on the ball, ball went forward from a Saints boot dragging over it. 2 intentional knock-on's. One of which had an overlap on the outside. If Quins are happy to win by intentional foul play, then it does not say much for them. Would appear to be a bad day for Karl Dickson, also for the RFU in appointing a Ref who spent 8 years as a player at one of the clubs.
5 Go to comments