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'I'd love to stay': Lions challenge a lure as Tupou weighs up future
By AAP
The lure of the 2025 British and Irish Lions series and 2027 home World Cup could be key factors in keeping Wallabies powerhouse Taniela Tupou in Australia long-term.
Tupou, 26, is off contract with Rugby Australia at year's end, with overseas clubs set to challenge for the imposing front-rower's signature.
Speaking to reporters on Friday, Tupou said playing against the Lions was a goal he'd like to achieve in his career, as he kept the door open to a new deal with Rugby Australia and the Queensland Reds.
"I want to tick that off and for that to happen, obviously I need to be injury free and be in Australia," said Tupou.
"Looking forward to see what happens and hopefully the Reds are keen to have me here for the next few years.
"I'd love to stay back here in Australia but we'll see what happens."
The 26-year-old prop suffered a ruptured achilles tendon playing for the Wallabies against Ireland in November and the long rehabilitation process means he will have limited time to prove his fitness to new coach Eddie Jones ahead of the World Cup in France starting in September.
Tupou says it was likely a stint in club rugby or an Australia A tour will provide his path back, but his immediate priority was the rehab.
"My focus now is trying to get my achilles right and we'll see what happens after that," he added.
Asked if Jones' appointment might sway his decision to remain with Rugby Australia Tupou said: "Nah, not really.
"I haven't worked with him or done anything with Eddie before but I've heard a lot of good stories.
"From what I know he's a very successful coach, especially in a World Cup year.
"If I get a chance to work with him, I'll be excited because I'm sure I'll learn a lot from him."
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We’re only now reaching the first stage in rugby - as some of the top coaches in the game like Graham Henry, Eddie Jones, Warren Gatland, Steve Hansen etc are all in their mid sixties, or more. It is the first time in the pro era this has happened, hence unexplored territory.
My guess is that rugby will learn to value the IP stored in such ppl, just as it will learn to value the contributions of ppl outside the game looking in - pretty much the message of Bill James and Moneyball!
Go to comments1] Who knows? Was he thinking that far ahead? It does imply a committment to Tonga, and we don’t want players to ‘transfer. between nations as frequently as they do clubs!
2] Yes I recognize that, which does beg the question whether the current rules will really help Tonga and Samoa achieve tier one status.
3] I think it would be fair to bring the stand-down into line with residency at 5 years.
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