Tupou Vaa'i: 'I had some mental issues that were stopping my potential'

One of the great success stories in Scott Robertson’s All Blacks tenure was the emergence of Tupou Vaa’i as a world-class lock, an emergence that Vaa’i feels was empowered by the coaching staff and leaders.

Vaa’i endured a slow start to his All Blacks career, biding his time behind Test centurions Brodie Retallick and Sam Whitelock, learning the ropes from the most experienced locking partnership in Test history.

With the 2023 Rugby World Cup spelling the end of the iconic duo’s respective Test careers, Kiwi fans waited with bated breath to see which of the next generation Kiwi talents would join Scott Barrett on the frontlines, and to what degree they could perform once there.

“When Brodie (Retallick) and Sam (Whitelock) left, there were definitely some big shoes to fill there, and I was told that it was definitely my opportunity to grab that opportunity with two hands,” Vaa’i told Martin Devlin of DSPN.

“I definitely had to prove my worth to the team, and I had some mental issues that were stopping my potential. I worked hard on those things off the field; they kind of just sprang up on the field, and it just became second nature to me…

“I think it was just a lack of confidence and experience. I felt like the more minutes I got, I started to build. Those two South Africa games (in the 2024 Rugby Championship) were my chance to really go out there and show my worth. I feel like I did that, and it just continued on from there.

“To be honest, I feel like my son, Kylo, helped me along with that process as well. I used to overthink and stress a lot of the small stuff, but as soon as he was born, that changed my perspective on life, and those small things didn’t really worry me anymore.”

While there was a short-lived experiment with Vaa’i on the blindside flank in 2025, the lock position is where he says he wants to become world-class. Although, he admits the ability to play No.6 could serve him well in the long run, with selection pressures aplenty.

It’s in the second row where Vaa’i has honed his craft, working alongside All Blacks captain Scott Barrett, whom he also attributes credit for his growth and labels “a top bloke”.

“Working alongside Scott Barrett really built my confidence. I was just leading off his energy and his experience.

“Jason Ryan and our mental skills coach (Ceri Evans) really helped me with the off-field stuff, and the off-field stuff became second nature on the field.”

Both Ryan and Evans remain in place with the All Blacks despite Scott Robertson agreeing to walk, although their respective futures hang in the balance with a new head coach sure to assess all management roles when appointed.

While Vaa’i wouldn’t offer any insights into the season review process that ultimately ended Robertson’s reign, he did express his gratitude for the coach.

“I feel like my career on the international side really lifted when Ray was the coach for those two years.

“I feel like those two years were the most important of my career. I messaged him and said, ‘Thank you for your service, I hope you and your family are well, and we’re thinking of you.'”

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

3

Draws

0

Wins

2

Average Points scored

27

21

First try wins

60%

Home team wins

60%

Vaa’i and the Chiefs are gearing up for a 2026 Super Rugby Pacific campaign where the pressure is on to go one better than their recent grand final defeats.

A new head coach, Jono Gibbes, has succeeded Clayton McMillan, and there’s fresh emphasis on the players rising to the pressure of big moments.

“I think it’s more player-driven than coaches. I think that’s one thing we’ve lacked in the last few years, and that’s something us senior boys are going to continue to work on.

“The more we can lead in our own areas, the more it will help us get over the hump when we’re put in those pressure situations…

“At the end of the day, we’re the ones out there playing footy. I feel like we just haven’t been the best team on the day. We need to look deep to get over that last stump.”

While an injury ended his 2025 season early, Vaa’i has been cleared for a return and will suit up for 20 minutes in Friday’s preseason game against the Drua.