2 & 3. Charles Piutau & Malakai Fekitoa – New Zealand to Tonga
After the new eligibility laws were introduced at the beginning of 2022, the All Blacks’ plentiful squad depth began to decline. New Zealand have always welcomed overseas players from the Pacific Islands to bolster their ranks, with Tonga being one such nation to see their brightest stars depart to wear the famous black jersey.
However, the tides are now turning, to the benefit of the New Zealand capped players, that have fallen away from the squad. The likes of Charles Piutau and Malakai Fekitoa had begun to slip under the All Blacks radar, as New Zealand’s unimaginable squad depth pushed the duo further to the fringes. Both have now committed to star for Tonga, and will take on the titans of Ireland and South Africa in Pool B of the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Former Wasps centre Fekitoa currently resides in Munster, and continues to tear up the United Rugby Championship with exciting attacking performances. The 30-year-old was born on the Tongan Island group of Ha’apai, and qualified for the All Blacks after three years residency in Auckland. After the Rugby World Cup, Fekitoa will move to Italy, as he has agreed a contract with Benetton Trevesio.
Bristol Bears star Charles Piutau represented Tonga at the 2010 Junior World Championships, and both of his parents are Tongan. Piutau will be leaving Ashton Gate come the end of the Premiership season, after lighting up the West Country since 2018. He was a key player in the side that were crowned Challenge Cup champions in 2020, yet with the Premiership salray cap being reduced, Bristol have been unable to keep hold of Piutau, as they have already confirmed the signing of England winger Max Malins.