'A huge loss': All Blacks star Mark Tele'a set to exit NZ Rugby for Japan

The 2023 World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year has not confirmed which team he will be joining upon his departure from the Blues, but recent reports have linked Tele'a with a move to the Ian Foster and Sir Steve Hansen-led Toyota Verblitz.

"It's been an amazing ride so many fantastic memories and amazing people, but after much thought I have decided from next year I will play my rugby in Japan," Tele'a wrote in an Instagram post confirming his departure.

"Thanks to fellow players, coaches, administrators and fans! for making the past years so special for me. always been grateful and blessed for the journey. But on to the next chapter for myself much love."

Tele'a has played 19 Tests for the All Blacks since making his Test debut in November 2022, scoring 13 tries in the black jersey.

He is the latest All Blacks star to leave New Zealand while still being one of the starting choices in the black jersey, following the likes of Shannon Frizell and Richie Mo'unga.

Blues and All Blacks teammate Harry Plummer is also set to leave New Zealand at the end of the season, with the playmaker joining French Top 14 outfit Clermont.

While New Zealand are not short on options to replace Tele'a, ex-All Blacks winger Jeff Wilson believes his departure is a huge blow.

"To hear the news that it looks as though Mark Tele'a is going to head offshore, and he's not going to be available to the All Blacks at the next Rugby World Cup... this is the 2023 Breakthrough Player of the Year," Wilson told The Breakdown earlier this week.

"I don't know if we can do more to keep our players in New Zealand but this really concerns me. This guy is a superstar, not just in our game for the All Blacks but for the Blues as well â- one of our great superstars.

"I'm concerned right now, Mark Tele'a I think is a huge loss if he's heading offshore, and I understand that's where things are heading. He's a bit different to what we've had before; the strength, the footwork in small spaces through the middle of the park. He's in his prime, I think he has two, three, four good years in him, but now it looks like we're going to lose that."

Unlike in South Africa, top players in New Zealand are not eligible to represent the All Blacks if they decide to head overseas, which means their decision carries much greater implications for the national side.

All Blacks coach Scott Robertson tried to have ineligibility laws relaxed when he took over the job but was unsuccessful in his attempt.

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