South Africa's loss is New Zealand's gain

NEWS: Exciting young wing Mark Telea, who is half South African and half Samoan,  has extended his time at the Blues for at least another two years.

The 23-year-old Super Rugby rookie, who has a South African father and Samoan mother, confirmed he has re-signed until 2022, following on from No.8 Hoskins Sotutu who announced his two-year extension yesterday.

Telea has produced some eye-catching stats in the initial seven games of Super Rugby – first in defenders beaten, second in clean breaks and metres won.

In the last three games of Super Rugby Aotearoa, he is second in defenders beaten and fifth in metres carried.

“Mark has taken his opportunity with both hands. He works really diligently on his fitness and his skills and we are thrilled with his first season so far,” said Blues coach Leon MacDonald.

“He has enjoyed the platform established by the forwards and given him a licence to have a crack. While the stats speak for themselves, it does not show just how hard he works. We are pleased that we can continue to work with him to develop his game in the coming years.”

Telea was a Massey High School product and came through the North Harbour and Blues development system.

“I used to go to watch the Blues with my brothers and now I have the chance to chase my dreams,” Telea said. “Coming through North Harbour and with the Blues A team has made it easy to come here.

“The experience of my debut against the Chiefs, my first time playing in Johannesburg where Dad is from and playing in front of the full house at Eden [Park] were all special.

“For me is it about being the best I can be for the team and I excited to have the opportunity to continue to play for the Blues.”

Telea joins captain Patrick Tuipulotu as the only players to have started in all 10 games this year – seven in Super Rugby and three in the Aotearoa competition.

The Blues expect to announce further playing contract extensions soon.