If Rugby Australia want Tupou to return to world-class form they should let him quit Waratahs
In one sense, it’s a miracle that Moana Pasifika arestill around. Last year, the rumour mill cranked up with whispers about their survival. Player agents started to do their due diligence on the franchise’s future, wary of placing their clients at a joint that was going bust.
At the time, the Herald was reassured that they were safe, with the full backing of New Zealand broadcaster Sky Sport and support from a then-unidentified new backer.
That mail turned out to be on the money, with the Pasifika Medical Association coming on board as new owners in what has turned out to be a seminal moment in their history.
While all clubs in Super Rugby Pacific remain under financial pressure, Moana Pasifika are clearly on more solid financial footing than they were a year or so ago.
Tupou, who is off contract this year, will no doubt be in demand overseas but does he really want to put himself through the grind of long northern hemisphere seasons, where his value is likely to be greatest? (Japanese clubs don’t typically spend heavily on overseas props).
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And in terms of the quality of coaching Tupou would receive at Moana Pasifika, he only needs to take a look at their coaching box: Umaga, the highly respected Tom Coventry, former Samoa coach Seilala Mapusua, NPC-winning coach Alando Soakai, former Welsh No.10 Stehpen Jones, and scrum coach Pauliasi Manu.
Rugby Australia would need to show a bit of contracting flexibility to make it happen and be prepared to pay a national top-up for a bloke who isn’t at one of the Australian franchises.
It might be a stretch too far for them, but Australia also needs to be reminded of what an asset a fit and engaged Tupou would be for them.
At present, there are two tighthead props in Australia genuinely capable of anchoring a Test scrum: Allan Alaalatoa and Tupou. Young Reds No.3 Massimo de Lutiis is clearly an up-and-comer, but he’s only 21, and he’ll still be a baby in tight-five terms when Australia hosts the Rugby World Cup in 2027.
