Tameifuna snubs All Blacks
Chiefs prop Ben Tameifuna's dream of representing New Zealand is all but over after he made his intention clear of wanting to play for his country of birth, Tonga.
In a bold move, the Tongan Rugby Union have named the NZRU-contracted player in their squad for away Tests against Georgia, the United States and Scotland in November.
The 23-year-old was long touted as having the talent to play for New Zealand and was included in an All Blacks training camp in 2012, but has not been able to convince the national selectors he is fit enough for Test rugby.
Having fallen down the pecking order – behind Joe Moody, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen and Ben Afeaki in recent years – he will will meet with Chiefs' high performance manager Chris Tindall and New Zealand Rugby officials on Thursday to determine whether he is granted a release.
His decision to play for Tonga comes after an unfortunate season with Waikato, that ended when he was suspended for five weeks for pushing referee Glen Jackson during a match against North Harbour.
Tipping the sclaes at around 130kg for much of his career, Tameifuna represented New Zealand at Under-20 level and has been a key member of the Chiefs two Super Rugby winning seasons in 2012 and 2013.
Should he represent Tonga without the NZRU's blessing, he faces having his Super Rugby contract terminated despite not being bound to New Zealand.
"They can't stop him from playing for us but we just want to make sure that things go smoothly for him in New Zealand as well," high performance manager Peter Harding told ONE News.
He made his provincial debut for Hawke's Bay as a teenager in 2010 before moving to Hamilton last year to play for Waikato. His uncle, former Chiefs loose head prop Sona Taumalolo, is also in the Tongan squad.
Tonga will be coached by former Manawatu loose forward Mana Otai with assistance from former Springbok mentor Jake White, as technical adviser.
Tonga Rugby Union have confirmed Chiefs prop Pauliasi Manu has made himself unavailable for Tonga after being included in an All Blacks training camp earlier this year.
