All Blacks coach Steve Hansen admits his side would be interested in NRL superstar Kalyn Ponga if he were to make the switch to Rugby Union.
Hansen was responding to comments made by Ponga in the media during the week that one day he could make the switch to the 15-man code and that eventuality his main goal would be to represent the All Blacks.
The 20-year-old played rugby union in his youth and admits it would be the ‘pinnacle’ to represent the All Blacks.
“Obviously, that [playing for the All Blacks] would be a huge goal, if I was to come back to union I’d want to tick,” Ponga told TVNZ on Wednesday.
“But I’m not too sure what my future holds whether I’m going to stay in league or change codes.
“But if I was to go back to rugby union I’d probably want to strive for that black jumper, it’s the pinnacle.”
Hansen says he follows Rugby League mainly due to his son’s passion for the game and is ‘aware’ of the huge talent Ponga possesses.
“You’ve got to be aware of him,” Hansen told Stuff.
“He’s a special player and I quite like watching league. I’ve got a son that plays it and therefore interested in it.
“He’s had a super Origin.
“He’s a Kiwi boy and he’s just come out and said that maybe one day he might want to come out and play rugby.
“If that’s his choice when he makes that choice, then of course whoever is around at that time would definitely be interested, because he’s a talented athlete.”