New Zealand Rugby lock in rising All Blacks star Tupou Vaa'i

The All Blacks have secured another cornerstone piece of their future by re-signing lock Tupou Vaa’i until 2027.

The 25-year-old has racked up 38 Tests since his 2020 international debut, which came after a stellar rookie season with the Chiefs.

The Wesley College product will remain in Chiefs colours, having succeeded Brodie Retallick as leader in the lineout department for the club.

Vaa’i had an extended apprenticeship under Test centurion Retallick at both club and international level. He was forced to bide his time behind his Chiefs teammate, fellow Test centurion Sam Whitelock, and now All Blacks captain Scott Barrett in his quest for more time in the black jersey, until an exodus opened the door for him to start, following the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

In his first season with consistent starting minutes, Vaa’i proved to be the robust, hard-working engine-room player Scott Robertson needed and staked his claim for the No. 5 jersey.

That strong form has continued for the Chiefs in 2025, where Vaa’i has been key to his side emerging as title favourites.

“The Chiefs is home to me. I’ve grown up at the club and my young family and I are really settled, really happy here,” said Vaa’i.

“I love representing the Gallagher Chiefs alongside a group of players I know really well. I’m excited by the potential we have and what we can achieve together in the future.”

Chiefs head coach Clayton McMillan spoke to the lock’s growing impact on the group.

“Tupou’s influence on the team is felt every day, not just in games but in the way he mentors others and carries himself within our environment.

“He leads by example and has developed into a true leader, someone our younger players look up to. Tupou embodies what it means to be a Chief, and it gives us confidence to know we can continue to rely on him.”

From New Zealand Rugby’s perspective, Vaa’i’s re-signing is an exciting win for all of his teams, both on and off the field.

“Tupou has been a key player and leader in every team he’s represented since signing up with Taranaki in 2018 as a teenager. His influence has grown significantly with the Chiefs and the All Blacks, and it was fitting recognition to see him nominated for men’s player of the year award at the ASB Rugby Awards last year,” Chris Lendrum, NZR General Manager Professional Rugby & Performance, added.

“Tupou is a player entering the absolute prime of his career, and we are thrilled to have someone with his leadership potential recommit through to 2027.”