Former NRL star open to All Blacks switch

Manu has made a strong start in his first season in France, after switching from rugby league to union following a stint in Japan in 2024-2025.

However, making that World Cup goal a reality would likely mean the 29-year-old, a two-time National Rugby League champion, returning to New Zealand to join a team there.

Before his move to union, Manu played at centre for the Sydney Roosters, winning NRL titles in 2018 and 2019.

He also represented New Zealand and New Zealand Māori at the international level and was widely regarded as one of the best centres in the game.

"Obviously, to play for New Zealand, you've got to be in New Zealand," Manu told AFP in his first interview since arriving in France last summer.

"I'm over here at the moment. I'll say I'd love to, but just see if it all works out. I know how much good talent there is in those teams.

"I'd love to do that (play at the World Cup), but I just want to focus on this Top 14 season and keep improving.

"I feel like I've come a long way from when I first started in Japan, but I know I've got a long way to go," the former Sydney Rooster added.

Manu wouldn't be the first player to switch between codes ahead of the World Cup, with Australia in particular attracting some key players to join union from league.

In the past couple of years, Joseph Aukuso-Sua'ali'i, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Zac Lomax and Angus Crichton have made the switch ahead of 2027.

Speaking about the differences between the two codes, Manu said union feels more tactical.

"I think union's a lot more tactical, with obviously the kicking, the scrums and all the line-out stuff," Manu said.

"Sometimes it gets a bit chaotic with the phase play.

"Sometimes it can be unpredictable, so I enjoy that side of the game," the former New Zealand rugby league international said.