Ex-All Black Charles Piutau expressed confidence in returning back to international rugby after he was approached by Tonga with the 2019 World Cup in mind.
The full-back under current rules will need to represent Tonga’s sevens side at Olympic qualifying schedule or at the 2018/2019 World Series to become eligible ahead of the World Cup.
“At the moment, if all my clubs that I’m with currently are happy, and the Tongan union and all different parties are happy, then I will be more than happy to,” said Piutau in an interview with RadioLIVE.
“I was born in New Zealand but both my parents are born in Tonga, and I have a strong connection and ties to the culture and for Tonga as well, so it feels like I’m just as much as I’m a Kiwi.”
“I feel equally Tongan because of my upbringing.
“The Tongan coach had approached me, and it was something I thought of even before he had approached me.”