Taniela Tupou admits he needed a transfer again to the Reds, earlier than agreeing to affix the Waratahs subsequent season.
The highly effective prop left the Reds for a season on the Rebels – just for the membership to go beneath.
On Friday, the Tahs confirmed The Roar’s unique final week and introduced Tupou will be a part of fellow ex-Rebels Andrew Kellaway and Rob Leota, in addition to Joseph Suaalii as high-profile recruits for the 2025 season.
The Wallabies prop will bolster a formidable front-row for the Waratahs alongside fellow prop Angus Bell and hooker David Porecki.
Tupou instructed the Sydney Morning Herald that he needed a return to Brisbane.
“I didn’t know the place I used to be going to go,” Tupou mentioned. “It’s a giant weight off my shoulders, understanding the place I’m going. Now I can begin packing my stuff. I do know what I have to do, and may begin to search for locations in Sydney.
“I needed to see if there was an opportunity to return to the Reds,” Tupou added. “[But] they’ve obtained Zane Nonggorr, who has simply signed, and there’s one other younger prop there too, so there’s no level in going again there. They’ve obtained these guys. I feel they performed actually good this 12 months, however I’m actually glad [with my decision].”
Tupou mentioned he was influenced by his relationship with Bell and Simon Raiwalui, who’s NSW’s director of efficiency.
“Earlier than the Wallabies, we constructed this shut relationship [with Raiwalui],” Tupou mentioned. “We had chat, and he just about instructed me they had been eager and among the issues he’s trying to construct with the membership and what he desires to realize.”
On Bell, the Tongan Thor mentioned: “He’s been to my place, I’ve been to his place after which our friendship simply obtained nearer,” Tupou mentioned. “Because the information got here out [of the Rebels shutting down], each time I communicate to him, he’s been like, ‘you’ve obtained to return right here’.”
“We’re completely thrilled that Taniela can be becoming a member of our membership in 2025,” Raiwalui mentioned in a press release.
“Taniela is one in every of Australia’s finest rugby gamers and any membership on the planet could be glad to have his providers.
“His signing is a portrayal of the constructive path that the Waratahs are heading in, and I’ve little question that our members and followers can be eagerly anticipating seeing Taniela operating out in sky blue subsequent season.”
“The Waratahs are a giant model in Australian rugby and have a proud historical past,” Tupou added.
“I’m actually wanting ahead to becoming a member of the membership subsequent season. Waratahs followers are very passionate and I’m glad that they’ll be cheering for me in 2025.
Taniela Tupou of the Wallabies celebrates a attempt in the course of the males’s Worldwide Take a look at match between Australia Wallabies and Wales at Allianz Stadium on July 06, 2024 in Sydney, Australia. (Photograph by Cameron Spencer/Getty Pictures)
“I’ve performed with Stomach, Jake, Langi and Porecki for Australia and I’m excited to affix forces with them for the Waratahs.
“With Andrew Kellaway and Joseph Suaalii additionally becoming a member of the membership, I’m assured we’ll be in for a giant 12 months.”
