New Zealand Rugby Union is in danger of losing the game’s next superstar if it doesn’t act quickly, with schoolboy sensation Taniela “the Tongan Thor” Tupou confirming a desire to play for the Wallabies.

The 18-year-old Tupou commanded cross-code, international interest following a viral video of him bumping off and running over players to score three tries in 20 minutes in an Auckland schoolboys game two months ago.

After the Sacred Heart College student returned from an Auckland Blues players’ development camp recently, he revealed in an interview with the New Zealand Herald that NZRU had dawdled.

Tupou moved to New Zealand from Tonga in 2010 and doesn’t hold a passport, but NZRU promised the youngster eligibility after four years.

Well, four years has passed and Tongan Thor is getting restless.

“They (NZRU) said that ‘if you’re not on a New Zealand passport and you’ve been here for four years, you can play for the team’. But I’ve been here for four years and they said I can’t play for the New Zealand A team. It’s not fair,” he said.

Tupou said NZRU had not yet contacted him, despite interest from Kiwi Super Rugby franchises, French rugby clubs and even several NRL coaches.

If the All Blacks became a non-option, Tupou said he loved the Tongan representation in the Wallabies.

“Maybe I’m not good enough to stay here,” he said with a laugh.

“But that’s one of my goals this year - to play for the New Zealand A team. If I can play with them, then maybe I’ll change my mind from going to Australia.

“If I have the chance to play for the All Blacks, I’ll take it. If I can’t make the All Blacks and I can’t make the Wallabies, then maybe I’ll play for the Ikale Tahi.”

One thing the teenager isn’t lacking is motivation – Tupou said the death of his father nine years ago drove him to success in the sport.

“We come from a poor family. My dad passed away in 2005 and that’s why I’m trying my best in rugby. My family are my motivation,” he said.

“My mother tells me to keep doing what I’m doing, keep it humble and stay the same. Talk to people and don’t be snobby. Don’t think you’re a star. Be the same Taniela.”

At the College Rifles ground in Remuera last week, Tupou was one of dozens of upcoming players picked for the Blues and Chiefs Under-18 squads.

Barely 20 seconds into the second match of the day, he scored with his first touch of the ball.

One parent was heard telling another: “There’s that Sacred Heart kid. He is something else.”

Later, Tupou stopped to shake hands with people who called out to him and laughed with players from both sides.

He said being recognised on the street was something he was still getting used to.

“I went to Manukau and people were coming up to me asking me to sign pieces of paper. Sometimes now, I just wear my hoodie and cover my head.”

Tupou travelled to Tonga for a week-long holiday and said he is looking forward to seeing his family, especially his mum Loisi.

His face lit up when talking about home and when asked if his village, Vaini, is near the Tongan capital, Nuku’alofa, he roared with laughter: “Nah! It’s back of the bush, man. It’s far as from town.”