Queensland Rugby Union announced Taniela Tupou has signed a contract extension with the St George Queensland Reds which will see him remain at Ballymore through to 2020. Tupou joined in late 2014 as an 18 year old straight out of high school, and has worked hard to establish himself as the Queensland Reds starting tight head prop in 2018.
At 21 years old, Tupou made his Super Rugby debut in 2016 and last year earned his first test cap for the Wallabies. “Ballymore is my second home and the Reds are like my second family. This is where I started my professional career and I really want to contribute to the team,” Tupou said. “We’re learning a lot from Brad (Thorn). He knows how to win. We’re a young team who are working hard for each other, it feels like we are heading in the right direction and I want to be a part of that.”
Tupou has also contributed significantly to the Queensland pathway, helping Queensland Under 20s to a national title and Brothers Rugby Club to lift the Hospital Cup in 2016. He also played a big role in Bond University Queensland Country’s first National Rugby Championship trophy last year.
Queensland Reds head coach Brad Thorn said that “when Taniela joined the Reds he was known as a ball runner because of some videos from his school days. He might still be known for his big runs, but he’s worked incredibly hard to develop the rest of his game and I’d like to think he’s known as a tighthead prop and a scrummager now too.”
Can’t get enough of sports? You will not want to miss this story about the sporting legends lunch. [/one_third]
