All Blacks players with strong ties to South Africa
The All Blacks are officially in town as part of their series of matches against the Springboks and provincial teams in the coming weeks. For some of the players in the New Zealand team, who share a “great. . .
The All Blacks are officially in town as part of their series of matches against the Springboks and provincial teams in the coming weeks. For some of the players in the New Zealand team, who share a “great rivalry” with South Africa, it’smore than just history that connects the countries…ALL BLACKS WHO HAVE LINKS TO MZANSIHere are a few current All Blacks players whose paths have crossed with South Africa. Mark Telea’s father, Maleko, hails from Johannesburg. His mother is a Samoan living in New Zealand. Speaking to the media in 2024, Mark said, “Every country has its own culture, so just embrace it. I’m a South African. I’m half South African. ”In an interview with his former club, The Blues, he claimed he was a “proud Samoan South African. ”Mark Telea And has South African ancestry from his father and Samoan ancestry from his mother. 🤦🏾♂️— Sean Mpho Tshwale🇿🇦 (@Sean_tshwale)October 29, 2023Du’Plessis Kirifiis the son of retired rugby player Jack Kirifi, who was named after former Springbok Morné du Plessis. According to reports, Jack liked the name so much that he added an apostrophe and gave it to his firstborn son!Du’Plessis’s dad once played against Morné in France and befriended him thereafter. Morné – who captained the Springboks to a 1976 win over the All Blacks in South Africa – was known for his progressive views that challenged Apartheid’s sideline of non-white players, and ban on Māori players from touring South Africa. Fabian Hollandwas once offered a rugby scholarship to attend Northwood High School in Durban. The Netherlands-born player ultimately chose to attend Christchurch Boys’ High School in New Zealand, which set him on a path to play for the All Blacks. FOR THE LOVE OF SOUTH AFRICAFormer All Blacks playerAndrew Mehrtenswas born in Durban to New Zealander parents temporarily staying in South Africa. Not long after, Mehrtens’ family moved back home. Greg Rawlinsonwas also born in Durban, but is of South African heritage. He moved to New Zealand in 2002 as an adult. He qualified to play for New Zealand through residency before making the All Blacks. Other All Blacks stars, such asJonah LomuandSonny Bill Williams,are also known for marrying South African women.