Overseas clubs circling for All Blacks wing Mark Tele'a

Overseas clubs, most notably from Japan, are circling for Blues and All Blacks wing Mark Tele’a.

The 28-year-old’s New Zealand Rugby contract expires this year and 1News understands Tele’a is about to announce a deal with a Japanese club.

Sources suggest a deal has been done with Toyota, a club coached by former All Blacks bosses Steve Hansen and Ian Foster.

It would not be a huge surprise if Tele’a, who has scored 13 tries in 19 Tests, decides on a move.

Competition among the All Blacks outside backs, including Blues teammate Caleb Clarke and Crusader Sevu Reece, is fierce and Tele’a may be looking forward to a new experience which comes with a far larger salary than he would earn in New Zealand.

But the West Aucklander’s strong, slippery style and ball hunting ability will be sorely missed by the Blues and All Blacks.

With Telea’s imminent departure, young wings like Crusader Macca Springer, 22, or the Highlanders’ Caleb Tangitau, also 22, could come into the national reckoning.

Moana Pasifika’s Tasman product Kyren Taumoefolau could also be a long-term option, although he would only become eligible for the All Blacks at the end of next year after playing for Tonga at the 2023 World Cup.

“We'll see what happens eh... you'll probably hear about it - actually you'll probably see it before you hear it...to be honest,” Tele’a said yesterday.

“We'll hear about it soon?” Tele’a was asked. “Yeah, hopefully,” was the reply.

Tele’a, World Rugby’s breakout player of the year in 2023, said his focus was solely on the Blues’ match against Moana Pasifika at Eden Park on Saturday afternoon.

There may be also developments on the other side of the backline, with Clarke also due to make an announcement on his future, although he is likely to re-commit to New Zealand Rugby.

The lure of another World Cup set to be the biggest pull for the 26-year-old after he was barely used at the 2023 edition.

One thing both Clarke and Tele’a will want is more possession.

The defending champions have scored 22 tries in seven games this year – the lowest tally in the competition.

Their outside backs have scored only three all campaign. By way of comparison, Crusaders left wing Springer scored five in one match against the Force in round five.

Assistant coach Daniel Halangahu said opposition teams knew what to expect from the Blues this season.

“I think the way we played in the past probably surprised teams... that's gone," Halangahu said. "Teams are aiming up, they're coming for us..

“How do we release that into some space out wide? There's a lot of people out there giving me all sorts of advice all the time.

“It's about going back to basics, simplifying our game... the biggest risk is if we try to complicate things.”