‘If I have to put myself out there, I will do it’: ‘Tongan Thor’ Tupou wants to take Rebels to next level
Wallabies representative Taniela Tupou stands ready to do whatever is needed to take rugby union to the next level in Victoria after spurning offers from Japan to join the Melbourne Rebels.
The powerful prop, affectionately known as the Tongan Thor, will join the Rebels for the 2024 and 2025 seasons after locking in a two-year extension with Rugby Australia which will see him end his decade-long run with Queensland Reds.
Wallabies wrecking ball Taniela Tupou.Credit:Getty Images
Tupou, a 178-centimetre, 135-kg dynamo has captured the imagination of rugby fans around the world with his ability to shrug off tacklers and push his side forwards although at present he is in the midst of a rehabilitation plan after rupturing his Achilles tendon against Ireland in November.
But Tupou’s standing was so strong that Japanese clubs were pushing for his signature along with Rugby Australia who wanted to retain him for the coming seasons including the British and Irish Lions tour in 2025.
“I will do whatever is best for the club and if that is to be the front guy to bring more fans to the game then I will do it,” Tupou said.
“If I have to put myself out there then I will do it.”
As his contract talks ramped up, Tupou had multiple sides chasing his signature but he was impressed by the determination of the Rebels.
“To be honest, it wasn’t until I had the contract in front of me that I knew [for certain] that it was the Rebels because a few other teams were interested and I wasn’t sure where I would go,” Tupou said.
“The Rebels worked well with Rugby Australia and came up with a good deal, so I signed it.
“I was looking for a change of scenery. I never thought I would be wearing another jersey but things have changed and I’ll have to start picturing myself in a Rebels jersey.
“I met with the Rebels a few times and they were very interested but there were times where I told them this might not happen but they were still hitting me up.
“I know Nick Stiles, he was one of my first coaches at the Reds, and we are pretty close. I’m close with a few boys, so it’s going to be good.”
The Rebels, who begin their Super Rugby season against Western Force in Perth on Saturday night, hope Tupou’s arrival will draw more fans to their games.
“Melbourne is the city with all the different sports like AFL and rugby league where they are so successful and the Rebels are getting there,” Tupou said.
“It’s not about me. I have to do what is best for the team and I will be coming there, earning my respect through my performances and if that means we can bring in more fans that will be good.
“Hopefully, we can do something special and bring more fans to the game.”
Tupou’s progress from his Achilles injury is strong but still has plenty of work to do to be fit for the Wallabies’ Rugby World Cup campaign in September.
“It’s been the toughest injury I’ve had but it is good and I’m ahead of where I need to be. I’m working with the guys to be back on the field as soon as I can,” Tupou said.
Tupou grew up in Tonga before moving with his family to New Zealand where Queensland scouted him and signed him in 2014.
“I think I’ve played my last game for the Reds which makes me sad,” Tupou said.
“I’m used to driving to Ballymore day in, day out and will still be here for the rest of the season but then things will be different.”
Melbourne’s trams and roads are a mystery to Tupou but he looks forward to learning to navigate his new city.
“That’s something I need to get my head around,” Tupou said with a laugh.
“Hopefully I don’t live too far from training or I might jump on the wrong tram and end up back in Queensland.”
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