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Taniela Tupou says he “100 percent” wants to play overseas in the future but has rejected a report that he’s fallen out with Queensland Reds coach Brad Thorn.
Fox Sports reported the Tongan Thor was “unhappy at the Reds and seriously considering his options”. Tupou took to Instagram stories to declare the report “fake news”.
But while he apparently rejects the notion of a rift over, Tupou told Wide World of Sports that he was ready for a change when his contract ends after the World Cup.
“They’ve approached me wanting me to stay here for a few more years,” Tupou said of Rugby Australia negotiations.
“I’ve got this year and next year so I’m in no rush to sign a deal. Now that I have a family I’ll do what’s best for myself and my family, if that means staying or going somewhere else.”
Tupou and his partner are expecting their first child on July 9 – the same day the Wallabies will play England in the second of their three Tests.
(Photo by Kenta Harada/Getty Images)
“I think I’m ready for a change,” said Tupou, who has been with the Reds since 2016 after arriving in Australia from New Zealand in 2014.
“I’ve been in the same place for nearly nine years now so I’m keen to see and challenge myself somewhere else now. We’ll see what happens.””
Rugby Australia could give Tupou a taste of overseas action by allowing him a flexible sabbatical-style contract similar to that offered to Michael Hooper.
“It’d be cool to not smash myself in Super Rugby and go somewhere like Japan. Just enjoy a bowl of noodles and just play somewhere different,” he joked.
It has been an interesting few days for Thorn after giving an interview in which he said he would be honoured to one day helm the Wallabies.
Rugby Australia boss Andy Marinos weighed in on Thursday saying the race to be next Wallabies coach is not a “closed shop” and rejected Brumbies coach McKellar’s involvement in the national set-up as a conflict of interest.
Marinos said there had been no discussion about the future of the role beyond Rennie.
“No, it’s certainly not a done deal,” he told AAP.
“We have a Wallabies coach and we are happy with our coach. There is no ‘heir apparent’.
“You’ve got to have succession but Dan’s coming in with a point of difference from a forward’s perspective and adding that value.
“Absolutely (Thorn is a contender); at no stage have we said it’s a closed shop or made a pre-determination.
“We believe Dave is the right man to take us forward but it’s about building the resources around us so that, you never know, if anyone needs to take over they’re in a good position to do so.”
The chief executive said Wallabies selections fell entirely on Rennie, insisting McKellar’s dual roles with club and country were not problematic.
“I don’t think it’s a conflict of interest when you’re coaching at a national level you’re there to put what’s best for the national team,” he said.
“Ultimately Dave takes full responsibility for the final decision.”
Former Wallabies captain Phil Kearns was a Thorn fan and thought competition for the coveted coaching role could only be a good thing for Australian rugby.
“I’m not sure Dave’s quite ready to give that up yet but Brad’s done terrific stuff for the Reds in rebuilding them,” the former NSW hooker said.
“I love his no-nonsense approach; it is hard and full of discipline, but a lot of sport is about discipline and getting those attention-to-detail things right.
“He demands that and has done well.
“Let’s keep them all competing for that job, just like players competing on the field.”
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.