RUMOUR | Lions and England star 'set for shock rugby league return'

According to , the 33-year-old is a potential target for several NRL clubs, with Brisbane Broncos reportedly leading the way.

The Australian and The Daily Telegraph

Te’o is currently contracted to the Sunwolves club in Japan but is training in Brisbane after rugby union, like the majority other sports, was suspended due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

He made over 150 NRL appearances during stints with Wests Tigers, Brisbane and South Sydney and represented Queensland Origin and Samoa before joining Leinster Rugby in 2014.

He has since played for Worcester Warriors and Toulon, as well as being selected by Eddie Jones to play for England and Warren Gatland to represent the British and Irish Lions.

The Australian understands a handful have already expressed an interest in signing Te’o for the remainder of this season if and when the competition is up and running.

His former clubs Brisbane and Souths would appear the most logical fits given he has previously played with both.

Five England youngsters made the cut, but they've had mixed fortunes to say the least in the five years that have followed.

Here's what they're up to now...

What they said:  The Bath second-row captained England to Six Nations success after being part of the World Cup winning side from last year in New Zealand.

Where they are now: A senior-call up was not far behind with Ewels showing his world-class pedigree in the Bath Rugby ranks. The second rower made his bow off the replacement bench during England’s 58-15 victory over Fiji in 2016.  Still with Bath, the 24-year-old has struggled to break into the England side on a regular basis due to the consistency of Maro Itoje, George Kruis, Joe Launchbury and Courtney Lawes, but has accumulated 12 caps.

What they said: The Harlequins No.8 was a mainstay of the World Championship success last season and was man-of-the-match in this year’s Six Nations clinching success against France.

Where they are now: He's been a standout player for Harlequins but is yet to win a full international cap. Off the pitch, Chisholm has a coaching role at Farnham RFC alongside fellow Quin Max Crumpton.

What they said: Another Harlequins star who made a name for himself during the Six Nations with six tries in the tournament for the centre including a vital second-half score in the decider against France.

Where they are now: Marchant, who has played for Harlequins since 2014, will represent the Auckland-based Blues club from January 1 to June 30 in a revolutionary move made possible through the Club’s ongoing relationship with New Zealand Rugby. Eddie Jones is also a fan of the 23-year-old, who has won three caps, scoring once so far.

What they said: The speedy wing has a 100m time best of 10.86secs and played in every Six Nations match after winning his first cap and scoring on his debut against England at Colwyn Bay. Bagged a second try against France in the final game at Brighton as England lifted the title for the fourth time in five years. Mother Diana represented Wales as a schoolgirl sprinter.

Where they are now: Perkins joined Bristol Bearsat the start of the 2017/18 season, where he joined up with Pat Lam. However, During an injury hit spell in the West Country, Academy winger Perkins did not make a league outing for the Bears before leaving by mutual consent. He's now playing for Westcombe Park in London 1 South.

What they said: The Northampton back three player figured in every match of the 2014 and 2015 U20 Six Nations Championship and was part of the World Cup winning side last year.

Where they are now: Packman joined RFU Championship side Bedford Blues in 2016 before he moved to Ealing Trailfinders ahead of the 2017-18 season. In 2019, during the summer months, Packman travelled to the Southern Hemisphere to play for North Otago in New Zealand.