‘Exceptional Talent’: All Blacks Coach Praises Kalyn Ponga Amid Code-Switching Controversy

The All Blacks’ head coach, Scott Robertson, has not ruled out the possibility of Kalyn Ponga making a stunning switch from league to rugby union ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

Ponga, the NRL star, is tied to the Newcastle Knights until 2027, yet speculation continues to swirl about his potential move to a different code.

At 26, the fullback has links to New Zealand through his parents and spent his formative years in Palmerston North from ages 8 to 13.

In past interviews, Ponga has expressed his desire to represent the All Blacks and has also shown interest in joining the Kiwis national league team.

“He’s shown interest before, a while back,” Robertson mentioned during an episode of the Rugby Direct podcast.

“If he’s interested in joining us, we’ll have a chat. You should always keep the door open. He’s an exceptional player.”

New Zealand Rugby has experienced varying degrees of success with players transitioning from league to union.

While players like Brad Thorn and Sonny Bill Williams have thrived, others such as Benji Marshall and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck haven’t made the same impact.

Recently, Stephen Donald, New Zealand’s cult hero from the 2011 World Cup, stirred speculation when he shared that a reliable source had hinted to him that “rugby union is still an option” for Ponga.

NEW PODCAST! The Inside Line team explores the major talking points in rugby and also shines a light on schoolboy rugby.

“That’s the word going around. It could be quite the development,” Donald, who is now involved in media, remarked.

Ponga previously made his ambitions clear in a 2019 interview with TVNZ, stating, “That would be an incredible achievement. If I were to return to union, that would be one of my goals to accomplish.”

However, he added, “I’m uncertain about what the future holds for me – whether I’ll remain in league or switch codes.”

“If I were to transition back to rugby union, I’d certainly aim for that black jersey.”

For Ponga to have a realistic shot at representing New Zealand in the 2027 World Cup, he would need to join a Super Rugby Pacific team next season.

Robertson commented, “There’s no time for development in my perspective. We’re among the few teams in world rugby that must balance winning with developing talent. Achieving that balance is a true skill – offering opportunities while also striving to win the immediate Test match.”

“Last year, we initiated 10 new players. If we can incorporate four or five more over the next couple of years, we start solidifying our core group. There will always be surprises and opportunities, and I want to emphasise that.”