Northern Edition

Select Edition

Northern Northern
Southern Southern
Global Global
New Zealand New Zealand
France France

‘One of Australia’s best’: NSW Waratahs sign Wallaby Taniela Tupou

Taniela Tupou of the Wallabies celebrates a try during the men's International Test match between Australia Wallabies and Wales at Allianz Stadium on July 06, 2024 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

The NSW Waratahs have continued their off-season signing spree by adding yet another Wallaby to their squad for 2025. Former Queensland Reds and Melbourne Rebels prop Taniela Tupou will wear sky blue in Super Rugby Pacific next season.

ADVERTISEMENT

Tupou, 28, is the latest Test-level player to sign with the Sydney-based club. The world-class prop joins fellow Australian internationals Andrew Kellaway, Darby Lancaster and Rob Leota by signing with the Waratahs.

For a player of Tupou’s class and reputation, there’s almost no reputation needed. The man is known globally as ‘The Tongan Thor’ after having his rugby highlights go viral online while he was in high school, and then he made a near-seamless transition to the pros.

Since making the move across the ditch and signing with the Reds, Tupou has played more than 100 Super Rugby matches across stints out of Ballymore and with the Rebels in Melbourne. Tupou has also represented the Wallabies in more than 50 Test matches.

Tupou is renowned around the rugby world as a strong scrummager who also boasts a damaging running game. What the prop can bring to the Tahs along with front rowers Angus Bell and David Porecki is no doubt incredibly exciting for the club.”

“We’re absolutely thrilled that Taniela will be joining our club in 2025,” Waratahs Director of Performance, Simon Raiwalui, said in a statement.

“Taniela is one of Australia’s best rugby players and any club in the world would be happy to have his services.

ADVERTISEMENT

“His signing is a portrayal of the positive direction that the Waratahs are heading in, and I have no doubt that our members and fans will be eagerly anticipating seeing Taniela running out in sky blue next season.”

Tupou also joins Sydney Roosters flyer Joseph Sua’ali’i in signing with the Waratahs. Along with the likes of Kellaway, Lancaster, Leota and new coach Dan McKellar, it seems to be an extremely exciting time at Tahs HQ out in Daceyville.

Related

The Tahs showed moments of promise during this year’s Super Rugby Pacific season by recording two wins over then-defending champions the Crusaders, but those triumphs couldn’t save their season as they fell to a last-placed finish.

It must be said the Waratahs had a bit of an injury crisis in the front row, but with Angus Bell returning in time for the Wallabies’ two Tests against the Springboks this month, and Tupou inking a deal with the Tahs, it seems it’ll be a very different story for the NSW club in 2025.

ADVERTISEMENT

“The Waratahs are a big brand in Australian rugby and have a proud history,” Tupou mentioned.

“I’m really looking forward to joining the club next season. Waratahs fans are very passionate and I’m happy that they’ll be cheering for me in 2025.

“I’ve played with Belly, Jake (Gordon), Langi (Gleeson) and Porecki for Australia and I’m excited to join forces with them for the Waratahs.

“With Andrew Kellaway and Joseph Sua’ali’i also joining the club, I’m confident we’ll be in for a big year.”

ADVERTISEMENT

Boks Office | Episode 39 | The Investec Champions Cup is back

Argentina v France | HSBC SVNS Hong Kong 2025 | Men's Match Highlights

New Zealand v Australia | HSBC SVNS Hong Kong 2025 | Women's Match Highlights

Tokyo Sungoliath vs Shizuoka BlueRevs | Japan Rugby League One 2024/25 | Full Match Replay

Reds vs Force | Super Rugby W 2025 | Full Match Replay

The Rise of Kenya | The Report

New Zealand in Hong Kong | Brady Rush | Sevens Wonders | Episode 4

The Fixture: How This Rugby Rivalry Has Lasted 59 Years

Trending on RugbyPass

Comments

0 Comments
Be the first to comment...

Join free and tell us what you really think!

Sign up for free
ADVERTISEMENT

Latest Features

Comments on RugbyPass

J
JW 1 hour ago
Why NZR's Ineos settlement may be the most important victory they'll enjoy this year

I wouldn’t think the risk is cash flow, as they have large cash reserves they said all through covid.


I suspect the author has it completely wrong as it pertains to the pool as well, because I can’t see the contracts of players changing year to year like revenue does.


I’d imagine there is an agreed principle to a ‘forecast’ figure of revenue for a cyclical period, and this is what 37% or whatever of is used for player salaries. So it would not change whatever that figure is until the next cycle. Cash flow, as you said, would be the main factor, but as they aren’t paid all it once, they’d not be hindered in this manor I don’t believe. Of all the references I’ve seen of a the player pool agreement, not once have I seen any detail on how the amount is determined.


But yes, that would be a very reasoned look at the consequences, especially compared those I’ve seen in articles on this site. Even with turnonver north of $350 million a year, 20 is still a sizeable chunk. Like this RA’s broadcast deal, they might have smaller sponsorship for a short period to align with everything else, then look to develop the deal further heading into the Lions tour cycle? Perhaps trying to take a deal from low to high like that is unlikely to a long term investor, and NZR want to get a good shortterm deal now so they can capitalize on growth for the Lions (i’m assuming that series has consequences on more than just broadcast deals right).

16 Go to comments
J
Janie Eish 2 hours ago
Maro Itoje hits back at England critics over repeated claim

MY  HERPES STORY AND HOW I WAS CUREDFor years, I struggled with the emotional and physical burden of the herpes virus, believing I would have to live with it forever. I tried countless treatments, medications, and therapies, but nothing seemed to bring lasting relief. It felt like a battle with no end in sight until I discovered a natural remedy that changed everything (herbs). Skeptical at first, I decided to give it a try, and to my surprise, I started noticing improvements in my overall well-being within two days of taking the medication. With consistency as prescribed by the herbal doctor, I felt healthier, more energized, and free from the symptoms that had once controlled my life. After completing the treatment, (14days) I visited my doctor for confirmation, and I was overjoyed with the results. I tested negative. I was cured from my HSV1&2This experience has given me back my confidence, peace of mind, and a renewed sense of hope. If you or someone you know is struggling with herpes or other health concerns like HPV, endometriosis, ovarian cysts, PCOS, or hepatitis, know that there are alternative options available and you will be cured. For those seeking a natural approach to wellness, I encourage you to explore this path with an open mind. You never know how life-changing it might be. Just if you want to reach out, you can contact: Email: dr.awaseherbalhome@ gmail. com WhatsApp: +2349074997110

1 Go to comments
LONG READ
LONG READ Why NZR's Ineos settlement may be the most important victory they'll enjoy this year Why NZR's Ineos settlement may be the most important victory they'll enjoy this year
Search