'I would advise players who are in the same position to take the leap'

From barely featuring for Scarlets in 2024 to emerging as a standout for Top 14 outfit Section Paloise, Carwyn Tuipulotu’s career has undergone a dramatic transformation in just six months.

After a frustrating start to the season – including a brief two-game trial with Saracens – the former Wales U20 international was loaned to Pau, where he swiftly forced his way into the matchday squad and impressed to such an extent that the club moved to secure his services permanently.

Though the contract extension was only announced this week, Tuipulotu had long since made up his mind.

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“I had been waiting for a while for the club to make a decision about extending my stay, and fortunately, Pau’s president presented me with a new contract, which I immediately said yes.”

Despite reports linking him with Premiership clubs, the 23-year-old back row insists he never seriously entertained options elsewhere.

“I didn’t have any talks with other clubs aside from Pau. The market is tight, and as everyone was happy with their back rows, there were fewer offers out there. However, I had already decided to join Pau two months ago. I was just waiting for the club to offer me the extension.”

Having featured in nine of Pau’s fifteen fixtures since his arrival, Tuipulotu explained why he had no hesitation in signing on.

“Pau made me feel at home from day one. The staff, my teammates and the fans have been there for me since I arrived. I feel that Section Paloise is the club to take my career to the next level. It was a no-brainer.”

The passion of the fanbase and the club’s environment were central to his decision to remain in France – advice from his agent, family and partner Leah Tarpey also playing a role.

“I was amazed to what I found at Pau. The culture, how the fans are so passionate, the love the players have for the club and how they work towards the same goal. I had never experienced something like this.”

After years of battling relegation, Section Paloise finished eighth in the Top 14 this season, securing a spot in the 2025/26 Investec Champions Cup – a sign, Tuipulotu believes, of a club on the rise.

“The club is building something special. We just had our best season from the last 10 years, qualifying for the Champions Cup which is big for the club. We have a lot of youngsters coming through the ranks and we are getting ready for the next season.”

While his time with Scarlets ended in frustration, the Top 14 has proven to be the ideal stage for the powerful No.8 to rediscover his form.

“France has a mix of everything. URC and the Premiership rugby is more of a running rugby kind of style, a bit more structured, while the Top 14 combines different styles. It is chaos, a beautiful chaos. It is such an attractive league, and it works well with the skills I possess. France loves to praise the big ball carriers, which boosts my chances of doing well over here.”

Tuipulotu also had the unique experience of lining up against his cousins, Mako and Billy Vunipola, during his first few months at Pau.

“It was funny to meet them inside the pitch and Mako actually left a couple of bruises on my shoulder. I tried to get one up on him. As we are cousins, I wanted to earn their respect. It was great to share those moments with them, and it was something that I could take out from my bucket list.”

The move to France may complicate Tuipulotu’s Wales ambitions, but the door to Test rugby remains ajar – possibly through alternative routes.

“Right now, I am uncapped, which leaves me qualified to play for other nations like Tonga or England. It has always been an ambition of mine to play for Wales, but at this stage of my career is vital that I play more games, something that I wasn’t getting on the Scarlets setup. I hope I can shape up to be the player that Wales needs, as they need ball carriers and people who can take the ball forward.”

The son of former Tonga international Kati Tuipulotu admits leaving Scarlets was a necessary step for his personal and professional growth.

“I do miss home, but obviously it was the right time to leave. I had gone a bit complacent, and I needed a new challenge. I want to change the perception that some fans have of me, to show that I can be the player they expected me to be.”

With his Wales ambitions on hold, Tuipulotu has no regrets about moving to the Top 14 and believes other players could benefit from doing the same.

“I would advise players who are in the same position as I was to take the leap and come to France if they have the chance. It is a great environment and experience. For me, I left my comfort zone and was able to enjoy rugby again. It was the challenge I needed to come out of my shell. I can now become my own man and player. Thanks to Pau, I have matured and became a different player.”