Chiefs prop Ben Tameifuna has turned down any chance of playing for the All Blacks by throwing his name in the hat for his country of birth, Tonga.
The 23-year-old Waikato tighthead has been named in the Ikale Tahi squad for their tour of Europe next month.
Long touted as having the talent to play for New Zealand, Tameifuna 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.
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 out of his way during a match against North Harbour.
Tameifuna, at upwards of 130kg for much of his career, played for New Zealand at under 20 level and has been a key member of the Chiefs two Super Rugby winning seasons in 2012 and 2013.
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 high performance unit manager Peter Harding confirmed today Tameifuna would be available for tests against Scotland, Georgia and the United States of America next month.
Tonga will be coached by former Manawatu loose forward Mana Otai with assistance from former Springbok mentor Jake White, as technical adviser.
