Twenty year old, Mark Telea is a rising rugby star on the cusp of a major breakthrough on a the international stage. 

Don’t let his complexion fool you.  He is a proud Samoan and South African and hails from the village of Leauva’a and even speaks Samoan.

It is understood that Telea is one of the players that Tietjens identified as a potential player for Samoa when the team was in New Zealand preparing for the H.S.B.C World Series. 

He said, “He approached me but I didn’t take his offer.”

The Samoa Observer caught up with the budding star after his absolutely amazing performance on the pitch with G-Mana Auckland Marist.

“It was something new for me to play in this type of weather.  I’ll take that for memories.”  

When asked about a chance of seeing him in sport wearing a blue jersey he laughed and said, “I don’t know. Fifty-fifty maybe.” 

At only twenty years of age, Telea knows he has his whole career ahead of him and is now looking for a contract. 

He said, “I’m still trying to pick up a contract with New Zealand.”

“I’m kind of playing around right now and seeing what’s out there. I still have a lot of options in New Zealand.”