Scotland centre Tuipulotu extends time in Glasgow

Scotland centre Sione Tuipulotu has penned a new contract with Glasgow Warriors – subject to visa – the club have confirmed.

Since joining Scotstoun from Japanese club Yamaha Jubilo in the summer of 2021, the 25-year-old has solidified his place in the Warriors’ midfield and has become a fan favourite.

Tuipulotu has made 30 appearances in Glasgow colours thus far, scoring four tries.

Tuipulotu, who has received 11 caps for Scotland to far, made a standout performance for Gregor Townsend’s team by scoring his first two tries in the illustrious dark blue shirt during the Autumn Nations Series triumph against Argentina at BT Murrayfield.

“I’m really happy to be sticking around for the next couple of years,” Tuipulotu told glasgowwarriors.org.  “I’m incredibly settled here, and I’m really enjoying life not just with the club, but in the city in general. I tell a lot of people back home that Glasgow’s like my second home, and I can’t see myself living anywhere else. That was the most important thing for me, to be honest – if I’m enjoying life in the city, then I’m enjoying my rugby. The two go hand in hand for me.

“Glasgow reminds me a lot of Melbourne, where I grew up – apart from the weather, obviously! There’s always something going on and I’ve just settled in so well with the boys here. I’ve got a lot of close friends that I’m very thankful for, and that’s a part of rugby that sometimes gets neglected – looking after the boys away from the training field is something that this club does so well, and I’m very thankful for that. I’m stoked to be sticking around.

“My main goal is to win something for Glasgow. When you’re walking around Scotstoun, you’re constantly bumping into guys who have won the league – guys like Pete Horne, Pete Murchie and Al Kellock. That motivates me to bring this club back to the top end of the league, and with the calibre of player we have here I truly believe that this club is capable of something special.”

Head Coach Franco Smith added: “We’re pleased to be able to secure Sione’s services for the foreseeable future.

“He’s someone that forms a big part of our plans for the future – he’s really bought into what we are doing here and he’s become a big leader within our playing group. He’s contributing a lot and he shows that he carries his heart on his sleeve every time he steps onto the pitch for us.

“Above that, too, he’s a hard worker and a top-rate person, and someone that is always eager to learn and improve. We’re looking forward to working with him closely over the rest of this season and beyond.”