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'He wants to stay': Dave Rennie confident of keeping Taniela Tupou in Australia
By AAP
Taniela Tupou says he's nearing a decision on his rugby future as he weighs up a rich overseas move, but Wallabies coach Dave Rennie is confident he won't leave.
The Queensland Reds prop, carrying a calf injury that shouldn't keep him out of July's home tests against England, has a four-year Rugby Australia contract that expires at the end of next year.
Foreign clubs are salivating for the services of the 25-year-old, who has silky hands to go with fast feet that belie his wrecking-ball frame.
But Rugby Australia want that, as well as his off-field charm and commercial pulling power, as the face of their own brand ahead of a 2027 World Cup in Australia where a 30-year-old Tupou could star.
"We're pretty positive about being able to keep Nella," Rennie told AAP on Friday.
"He's important to us and he wants to stay; we're in discussions with his agent and it's been very positive.
"He's here until end of next year and we're looking to extend him now.
"He's got a genuine point of difference (on and off the field), doesn't he, and he loves it, enjoys the interaction with fans.
"He's important to the future of the game here and we're keen to keep him."
Tupou and RA are open to a one-year sabbatical similar to that of Wallabies captain Michael Hooper's in Japan last year.
"That's one way of competing with overseas dollars," Rennie said.
"We're looking at all options that's going to make it attractive and affordable."
Tupou said only a "miracle" would see him return for the Reds' Super Rugby Pacific finals campaign and was again coy when asked what the future held beyond next season.
"Who knows what I'll do after next year; whether it's Queensland or ... Rockhampton," he said before bursting into laughter.
"I have to make the decision in the next few months, whether I'll stay here in the long run in Australia or go somewhere.
"I've been speaking to Rugby Australia, they're keen to have me around for the next few years.
"I'd love to do something like that, I'd like a break from Super Rugby so if that means Japan, rest the body and come back, but it's up to my manager."
As for the 2027 Cup?
"I feel like I'm 30 now but yeah I'll be 30 around then, hopefully still playing good footy and Dave picks me," he said.
"I'd love to play a World Cup game at Suncorp ... I know the feeling of playing in front of a full house there, you can't explain it, it's awesome."
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Latest Comments
No but you can do a lot with a turd to grow the next crop. Look I obviously don't rate Gatland as much of a coach, I'm just saying that they need to spend something on someone who can bring some players through or get something out of the old crop that can set a better footing for next bunch.
Gatland might not be worth whatever he's getting paid, but if you're still not getting the same elsewhere for half of that they've got to pay what they need to pay. It's as simple as that. The problem is theres no indication theyre going to lay down some ground work for the next bunch. I thought it ridiculous the comment I heard that Gatland has to deliver a trophy next season, when it shouldn't be able that at all.
They're only going to get out of this by investing in the game, and that means spending money, which is about the only credit they get out of this decision.
Go to commentsYes actually! That is a great description of a lot of Bull Sharks posts and that's the wiff I got!
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