However, he insisted he wasn’t turning his back on the Kiwis and still hoped to continue his 10 Test career in the black jersey after the World Cup.
After playing for Tonga at the last World Cup in England, Taumalolo said he was keen to do so again and believed the tournament was a time when developing nations could compete on an even footing with the likes of Australia, New Zealand and England.
“I really enjoyed my time within the Tongan World Cup Squad last time and have had a long-time association with Tongan coach Kristian Woolf,” Taumalolo said in a statement.
Under the new international eligibility rules, Taumalolo is able to choose between the Kiwis and the Mate Ma’a, for whom he qualifies through his Tonga-born parents.
He was also eligible for Australia after moving across the Tasman before the age of 13 but chose to play for New Zealand in 2014 and cannot change allegiances between tier-one countries.
“I see with the new international rule change an opportunity to represent both Tonga and NZ throughout my career,” he said.
“I have and will always be proud to wear the Kiwis Jersey. I just feel the World Cup provides developing nations like Tonga and opportunity to play on the big stage and I would like to help them with their campaign.”
Taumalolo’s decision is a massive boost for Tonga, who will name their squad in Brisbane on Thursday.
Woolf welcomed Taumalolo’s decision and said he would have a significant impact not only on Tonga’s World Cup campaign but on the future of the game in the Pacific nation.
“I think it's a real credit to Jason as a bloke that he wants to play for Tonga while he's at his best and not just later in his career,” Woolf told Fairfax Media. “He can make a real difference now and make a real difference to kids back in Tonga.
“To me he's the best forward in the world and and it's a huge addition to our World Cup squad.
“The other big thing is both his parents were born in Tonga. He would have [spoken to them]. He hasn't spoken to me directly about that.
“I don't know [if he will play for New Zealand again] to be honest. He'll be playing for Tonga in the World Cup and I don't think it will prevent him from playing for New Zealand in the future.”
Woolf is expected to also have Will Hopoate, Michael Jennings, Konrad Hurrell, Manu Vatuvei, Solomone Kata and Tui Lolohea at his disposal for the World Cup.
The Mate Ma’a play Scotland in Cairns on 29 October and Samoa in Hamilton on 4 November before taking on New Zealand at Hamilton on 11 November in a match which will now attract even greater interest and may have a bearing on which team finishes top of the pool.
Vs Scotland
Purchase Tickets to Tonga v Scotland in Cairns on 29/10/2017
Vs Samoa
Purchase Tickets to Tonga v Samoa in Hamilton on 04/11/2017
Vs New Zealand
Purchase Tickets to Tonga v New Zealand in Hamilton on 11/11/2017
By Brad Walter | @BradWalterSport
Chief Correspondent, RLWC2017
