DistantNews
Support us
🇳🇿 New Zealand /Sports

Tongan rugby coach eyes Sam Tuitupou Jnr as future star

From RNZ Pacific · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • Tongan national rugby team coach Tevita Tuifu'a is closely monitoring young player Sam Tuitupou Jnr.
  • Tuitupou Jnr, 20, is preparing with the 'Ikale Tahi squad for the World Rugby Nations Cup in Denver.
  • Coach Tuifu'a believes Tuitupou Jnr has the potential to become a key player if he continues his development.

Tongan national rugby coach Tevita Tuifu'a has his sights set on promising young talent Sam Tuitupou Jnr as the 'Ikale Tahi squad prepares for the World Rugby Nations Cup. Tuitupou Jnr, just 20 years old, is seen as a player with significant future potential.

He is one exciting player, young and eager to learn and improve.

— Tevita Tuifu'aDescribing Sam Tuitupou Jnr's potential.

The squad is currently in Denver, USA, gearing up for their opening match against Zimbabwe. Tuitupou Jnr, who plays openside flanker, has already made his international debut for Tonga last year after catching the eye of assistant coach Nili Latu. He also represented his country of origin at the previous Pacific Nations Cup while playing club rugby in North Harbour.

His burgeoning career includes a debut for Moana Pasifika in Super Rugby and selections for various age-group squads, including the Blues Under-20s in 2025. Tuitupou Jnr follows in the footsteps of his father, former All Black midfielder Sam Tuitupou, having also captained Kelston Boys High School's First XV to an undefeated title.

He is learning fast and improving, having come through college, club, Super Rugby and now being able to continue into the international stage.

— Tevita Tuifu'aCommenting on Tuitupou Jnr's development pathway.

Coach Tuifu'a expressed his optimism about Tuitupou Jnr's development, noting his eagerness to learn and improve. "He is learning fast and improving, having come through college, club, Super Rugby and now being able to continue into the international stage," Tuifu'a said. He added that if Tuitupou Jnr continues to develop at trainings and in games, he could become a "key player moving forward."

We gave him his international debut last year and I can see that he will be a key player moving forward if he continues to improve at trainings and in the game if he is given the chance to do that.

— Tevita Tuifu'aExpressing confidence in Tuitupou Jnr's future role.

The coach also highlighted the healthy competition within the squad, which includes Semisi Paea, Jimmy Tupou, Sione Misiloi, and Otunuku Pauta for the flanker position. This competition, Tuifu'a believes, provides valuable options and benefits the team as a whole. Tonga's campaign also includes matches against Spain and Portugal, serving as crucial preparation for the Rugby World Cup.

They give us a lot of options on who to use in what games and where to play them.

— Tevita Tuifu'aDiscussing the benefits of squad depth and competition.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by RNZ Pacific in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog