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.”
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Short Arm
Roar Rookie
Good move by NZRU, as the Black Ferns have a lot of ground to make up over the 6 Nation girls. Just looking at the standard of the 6N play recently & the matches the Ferns played on the EOYT. Just hope RA can throw something at the Australian girls because we are even further behind.
Crusher_13
Roar Rookie
Be a little challenging at training the next day if he goes “100% correct. The coach is giving me the s---s and I want out!” Sometimes people tell lies.
JD Kiwi
Roar Rookie
Because the player said it isn't the case?
Crusher_13
Roar Rookie
How do you know it isn’t the case?
Colvin Brown
Roar Guru
I can understand why.
Double Agent
Guest
My wife also likes to tell me things I already know! :laughing:
Colvin Brown
Roar Guru
Can we share him JD? To his credit he went back home after the 2011 RWC to give back to his local area, then joined with DR at Chiefs and turned Chiefs into the rugby stronghold it is now.
Colvin Brown
Roar Guru
There's 2 Wayne Smith's DA. 1 an Oz rugby journalist, the other perhaps NZs greatest ever on-field rugby coach.
Kiwi Bob
Guest
Posted the above on the wrong thread, rookie error. Tupou needs to chase the money and set his family up for life. Tighthead props typically have a shorter playing life due to the demands of the scrum. Make hay son.
Double Agent
Guest
Vital tests??! :shocked: I'll have to ask my GP about these vital tests.
Double Agent
Guest
Anyone got a contact at DFA? He needs to have his passport cancelled asap!! :laughing:
Double Agent
Guest
Double Agent. Born in Sydney. Educated in Sydney. Currently living in Port Stephens in a state of bewilderment reading this comment. :shocked:
Double Agent
Guest
Eh?
Adsa
Roar Rookie
Bloody journalists, always trying to make a controversial story out of something that is not there. Tupou wants to head OS after the world cup to experience something different and make money, only natural for many 20 somethings So the media paint it as a rift with the coach. Go with all Reds fans blessings Taniela.
Kiwi Bob
Guest
Well i suppose if he didn’t realise there was a problem with the ARU he does now. If he feels agrieved he should flip them the bird and move to NZ. I wouldn’t mind seeing him at the Highlanders.
JD Kiwi
Roar Rookie
I can understand you not reading the article, but the headline? :laughing:
JD Kiwi
Roar Rookie
Hands off Smith, a proud Putaruru boy!
JD Kiwi
Roar Rookie
No chance that he'd get rested in Europe. He'll have an 11 month season and have to fly half way round the world on Rugby Championship rest weeks! Might learn something though.
JD Kiwi
Roar Rookie
Not sure that Japan is the place to become a better prop, but maybe it will elongate his career? Not sure.
jameswm
Roar Guru
I can’t see why he wouldn’t come back. The life experience playing somewhere like Japan or France, not to mention the $$, I don’t have an issue. His heart’s in the right place. It’d be selfish of us to blame him for taking such an opportunity.