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Breakout Blues star Mark Telea extends contract with club

(Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images)

Exciting young winger Mark Telea will extend his time at the Blues for at least another two years.

The 23-year-old Super Rugby rookie today 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 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, who has a South African father and Samoan mother, 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.

– Blues Rugby

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R
RedWarrior 54 minutes ago
Records show All Blacks' greatest rugby adversary is now Ireland

Foster was literally whinging about the TMO in the Ireland series in the presser AFTER the RWC final. NZs whinging about the final itself was apparently picked up by Voyager 2 which was near the asteroid belt. What about the whingefest and crybabies after O'Mahony's legendary sledge (during the match) on Sam Cane?


I often hear talk about NZ players being poisoned or similar nonsense during the 1995 final. NZ boast that they are 'superstars' and 'humble heroes' on their own website. You gave England the same treatment in 2002-2003, calling them arrogant just because they beat you. They told the rest of us then what you were like, we should have listened. I would give as much credence to a NZ supporter disliking us, as I would to Krusty the clown saying the same thing. Let's just say your judgement may not be the best.


Regarding 2016, as the referee had basically let NZ away with cheating their way to victory via filthy dangerous play and fouling he was hardly going to pull Sexton up when clearly trying to stop a grounding. NZ always leave the boot or arm in to hurt a try scorer but that seems to be invisible to you entitles lot.


BTW NZ have literally being whinging and crying about Ireland since Soldier field. You are just very bad losers. We will be delighted to be shot of you on Friday. I hope we do so with a win, so that you rethink your philosophy of mocking opponents and spectators you've just beaten.


After the match last Saturday the internet was full of Kiwi supporters basically abusing English folk. Where is your national honour? Where is your national integrity?

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