If Moana Pasifika centre Levi Aumua wants to be an All Black over representing Samoa or Fiji, coach Aaron Mauger won't stand in his way.
Born in New Zealand, Aumua is eligible to represent both Samoa and Fiji through his parents' heritage, as both Pasifika sides look to strengthen in time for next year's Rugby World Cup in France.
But although the 28-year-old plays for Moana Pasifika in Super Rugby Pacific - whose aim is to produce players for the Pacific sides - Aumua was a surprising addition named in the All Blacks XV squad on their recent tour of Europe.
And although Aumua didn't play in the victory over Ireland 'A', his selection in the defeat to the Barbarians suggests leaning towards wanting to play for New Zealand, the nation of his birth.
But for Mauger, who himself played 46 tests for the All Blacks, denying Aumua the chance to do the same in order to push him towards playing for Samoa or Fiji won't be a tactic used any time soon.
"All our boys are on their own journey," said Mauger. "We're really proud of Levi, we're really proud of who he's become as a man and that's transferred onto the field.
"We support all of our boys with their aspirations. Levi's decided that route - just for now.
"That doesn't mean to say he's not going to be available for Samoa or [Fiji] down the track.
"If I was those coaches, I'd be going hard to get Levi in my team for the World Cup.
"He's got some options."
Aumua was also named to return to Moana Pasifika in 2023, with 38 of the side's foundation squad back for next year's competition.
