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Rugby Australia willing to throw millions at Taniela Tupou to keep him in the country
By Online Editors
It's been a tough couple of months for Australian rugby.
Putting aside Israel Folau's bigotry, David Pocock's injuries and the poor performances of Australia's Super Rugby teams, a trove of experienced players have now announced that they will be leaving the country's shores at the end of the season.
Things are looking particularly worrisome in the halves, with Nick Phipps, Will Genia, Quade Cooper, Bernard Foley and Christian Leali'ifano all likely to be representing sides outside of Australia in 2020.
Factor in the loss of midfielder Samu Kerevi, who is still only 24 years old, and things aren't looking especially rosy for Rugby Australia.
Perhaps it's the fear of losing further mid-tier and up-and-coming players that has prompted the latest move from RA - allegedly offering young prop Taniela Tupou a monster million-dollar deal over the next four years.
The Sydney Morning Herald has reported that a deal is currently being proposed to Tupou which would see him remain in Australia until the end of the 2023 World Cup in France.
Tupou would receive from 800,000 to 1 million AUD per year under the arrangement, making him the highest paid prop in Australia rugby history - as well as one of the highest paid current Wallabies.
A similar deal was believed to be offered to Kerevi - which he rejected in favour of the money on offer in Japan.
While Tupou is one of the most promising young talents in Australia, questions will be asked over whether the funds could be better used on retaining a number of youngsters. Already fellow props Scott Sio and Allan Alaalatoa are locked in for the next couple of years - there are other positions in Australia that probably need bolstering.
Tupou certainly isn't on the same level as Kerevi when it comes to the amount of influence he can have on a game, so giving him a similar offer seems somewhat out of place. The 'Tongan Thor', as he has been known since his days as schoolboy playing in New Zealand, has yet to lock down a starting position with the Wallabies whereas Kerevi is almost assured of running out in the midfield come Rugby World Cup 2019.
While signing Tupou would no doubt be trumpeted as a success for Rugby Australia, the time of money the Queensland Red is being offered could have a significant impact on future contract negotiations with other players - and that may be something that RA won't be able to afford.
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Latest Comments
A new hard edge to Wallaby rugby that sorts out who is "all in" versus those in two minds. Razor should take note and forget his push for off-shore selections and infatuation with Mounga.
Go to commentsI like the idea of Elrigh Louw as a long-term option for captaincy. Honestly, it’s hard to say who else could take on that role after Siya Kolisi, as 2027 is still a long way off. In my opinion, Siya will likely go to the Rugby World Cup in 2027 unless injury or a significant dip in form prevents him.
Between now and 2027, I think the captaincy will be shared among several players as Siya’s playing time is carefully managed—a strategy the Springboks have been implementing for some time. Younger players like Salmaan Moerat might get opportunities to captain in tier-two matches, as we’ve already seen. Other emerging talents like Jordan Hendrikse and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu could also be considered, though the Boks have traditionally favored forwards for captaincy roles. Damian Willemse is another possibility, but he first needs to play his way back into the team.
My personal feeling is that there should be an effort to appoint a black captain to replace Siya. His captaincy has been pivotal in broadening rugby's appeal across racial groups in South Africa over the past 7 years. More so than any other period in the last 30 years.
Form permitting, Moerat is a strong contender, given his leadership qualities and pedigree. However, some might view such an appointment as political, potentially overlooking Moerat's real potential and the broader significance of such a decision.
Other players with leadership potential have been mentioned in the past, such as Phepsi Buthelezi. However, it remains to be seen whether the former DHS star will secure a permanent spot in the Springbok lineup. The first Zulu captain of the Springboks? Would be nice, but unlikely given the competition for the 8 jersey.
One positive aspect of the uncertainty around Siya’s long-term successor is the way the Springboks have emphasized shared leadership among senior players. This approach has lessened the pressure on a single captain and allowed the team to thrive collectively.
When Siya was first appointed, there was skepticism about his leadership credentials. And whether he was the best 6 in the country. The shared leadership strategy gave him the support and platform to grow into the exceptional captain he is today. And he's proven critics wrong about his abilities as a player.
I find it interesting that he's playing at 8 for the Sharks. Rassie has made a habit of taking 36ers and above to the World Cup, players who bring options to the table like Frans Steyn, Schalk Brits, Duane Vermeulen and more recently Deon Fourie.
All of SA wants to see Siya win a 3rd World Cup. That's for sure.
And if he goes, he'll lead.
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