Charles Piutau

Test capped players are usually unable to play for two different countries at XVs level. However, a loophole came into the sport when rugby became a sevens event at the Rio Olympics in 2016. Players with dual eligibility who have already bound themselves to one country by representing that nation at XVs can now switch to their other country of allegiance through a loophole spurred on by rugby’s involvement at the Games.

Players with eligibility for more than one country can switch their international allegiance by participating in Olympic qualifying events provided they had a passport for the second country and complete a stand down period of three years.

Piutau played the last of his 17 tests for the All Blacks in 2015 and previously stated he would love to represent his Tongan heritage.

The Olympic Sevens Qualifier had been earmarked as a chance for the 29 year old to complete his switch from New Zealand to Tonga, alongside another ex All Black, Malakai Fekitoa.

 The former All Black last dawned the black jersey in 2015, his 15th cap for the team, since then he has shifted his focus on playing club rugby, playing for Wasps before moving to Ulster. Now the 29 year old is playing for Bristol and has been since 2018, his brother Siale who captained the Tonga team at the World Cup in 2019, also plays for Bristol.

Players with dual eligibility can switch their international allegiance by participating in Olympic qualifying events provided they had a passport for the second country and have completed a stand down period of three years.

Piutau played the last of his 17 tests for the All Blacks in 2015 and first stated four years ago that he would love to represent his Tongan heritage.

Tonga sevens coach, Tevita Tu'ifua, said after a couple of false starts the signs are promising that a number of former All Blacks and Wallabies stars could pull on the red jersey in June.

The 29-year-old full-back also loves the idea of resurrecting the Pacific touring team concept, which flickered briefly between 2004 and 2008 only to disappear prematurely.

“You’re talking about the best of Fiji, Samoa and Tonga, that would be some entertaining rugby. I’m sure everyone of Pacific Island heritage would love to be involved with a tour like that.”

Piutau, a member of the Pacific Rugby Players Welfare board, would certainly be among them.

Full-back Piutau and wing Purdy have been sidelined for recent Bristol games because of achilles and hamstring injuries, respectively. Max Malins wore the No15 shirt against Wasps, with Piers O’Conor on the wing.

“There are a few niggles we have got to overcome before Friday, so I have given the guys as much time as possible. Obviously, Nathan Hughes and Chris Vui from the weekend, but the game has come too early for Charles Piutau and Henry Purdy,” said Bristol boss Lam

The 26-year-old earned 17 test caps for New Zealand between 2013 and 2015, but was overlooked for the last World Cup squad after signing for Ulster.

He is set to become world rugby's highest-paid player when he switches to English club Bristol next season, where older brother and 'Ikale Tahi captain Siale Piutau is already on the books.

Tonga coach Toutai Kefu said the former Tonga Under 20s representative was keen and would add real quality.

The 25-year-old could now be at the peak of his powers and dominating the international game while continuing to wear the silver fern with pride, however, it's a far different path which he is now travelling.

The decision to leave NZ and play overseas is going to reap mighty financial benefits for Piutau, a talented and powerful outside back who will become the sport's first million-pound man when he leaves Ulster at the end of the season to join Bristol.

Piutau, 25, will swap Ulster for Bristol next summer after signing a two-year deal which is expected to make him one of the best paid players in the world. A title he already holds, earning a reported £500,000 a season in Ulster.

In an interview with the Press Association, Piutau explained why he opted for Bristol and a big payday rather than adding to his 17 New Zealand caps. A decision which did not come lightly.

The British Telegraph is reporting that Piutau has signed a deal with Championship side Bristol worth nearly $2 million.

The newspaper says Piutau's contract is worth $1.8m a year.

The 16-test All Black will join the English club at the 2018/19 season after signed a two-year deal.

He currently has one year left on his deal with Irish province Ulster.

It puts Piutau in the league of former All Black Dan Carter for pay.